Foot and Ankle Anatomy Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the talocrural joint?

To provide stability to the ankle during inversion

To connect the tibia and fibula at their distal ends

To facilitate rotational movements of the foot

To allow for dorsiflexion and plantarflexion movements (correct)

Which of the following accurately describes the shape of the talus in relation to the tibia and fibula during dorsiflexion?

The talus is wider posteriorly than it is anteriorly

The talus becomes firmly wedged within the mortise (correct)

The fibula is convex while the talus is concave

The talus and the tibia are congruent in shape

What stabilizes the medial aspect of the talocrural joint?

The tibio-fibular ligament

The anterior talofibular ligament

The deltoid ligament complex (correct)

The interosseous membrane

Which movements are associated with the subtalar joint?

Inversion and eversion Signup and view all the answers

What is a key structural difference between the medial and lateral malleolus?

The lateral malleolus extends further distally than the medial malleolus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following bones is NOT part of the ankle joint?

Calcaneus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the foot during locomotion?

Provide shock absorption Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the three sections of the foot?

Hindfoot, Midfoot, Forefoot Signup and view all the answers

In terms of movement, which injury is related to forced inversion of the ankle?

Lateral ligament sprain Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by the foot being in a pointed position at birth?

Clubfoot Signup and view all the answers

What structure contributes to the stability of the ankle joint?

Articular surfaces and ligaments Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following muscles primarily acts to dorsiflex the foot?

Tibialis anterior Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms describes a position closest to the midline of the body?

Medial Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the calcaneofibular ligament?

Resist excessive subtalar inversion Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the midfoot's movement capabilities?

Little movement occurs within the midfoot articulations Signup and view all the answers

Which digit of the forefoot is the largest and most critical for weight-bearing?

1st digit Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the intermediate cuneiform in the foot?

Functions as the ‘keystone’ of the transverse arch Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the three arches of the foot?

Perpendicular arch Signup and view all the answers

What type of joints primarily make up the forefoot?

Hinge / modified hinge joints Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is also known as clubfoot?

Talipes equinovarus Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism primarily provides stability to the interphalangeal joints of the forefoot?

Firm volar ligaments called plates Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Foot and Ankle Anatomy

The foot provides a stable platform, attenuates impact loading and propels the body forward.
The foot is made up of three sections: the hindfoot, the midfoot, and the forefoot.

Hindfoot

The talocrural joint is also known as the ankle joint and it is made up of the fibula, tibia and talus.
The distal ends of the fibula and tibia are concave, while the dome of the talus is convex.
Distal tibiofibular joint is connected via the tibiofibular ligament anteriorly and posteriorly.
The syndesmosis (interosseous membrane) runs the length of the tibial and fibular shafts and stabilizes the bones.
The subtalar joint is the articulation of the talus and calcaneus.
The medial aspect of the talocrural joint is stabilized by the deltoid ligament complex, which resists subtalar eversion.
The lateral aspect is stabilized by the anterior talofibular ligament, posterior talofibular ligament, and calcaneofibular ligament.
The lateral malleolus extends further distally than the medial malleolus, so forced eversion injuries are less common than forced inversion injuries.

Midfoot

The midfoot contains the navicular, cuneiforms (medial, intermediate, and lateral), and cuboid bones.
It makes up slightly more than 1/6 of the foot's overall length.
Little movement occurs within the midfoot articulations.

Forefoot

The forefoot represents the remaining 1/2 of the foot's length.
It is composed of 5 metatarsals and 14 phalanges.
The forefoot articulations are hinge or modified hinge joints.
The medial digit (1st) is the largest and most important for weight-bearing and push-off.
The middle (3rd) digit represents the stable central column.
The lateral two digits (4th & 5th) are more capable of movement.

Muscles of the ankle

Muscles that plantarflex: Gastrocnemius, Soleus, Plantaris, Peroneus longus, Peroneus brevis
Muscles that dorsiflex: Tibialis anterior, Extensor digitorum longus, Extensor hallucis longus, Peroneus tertius

Arches of the foot

The three arches are the medial longitudinal arch, the lateral longitudinal arch, and the transverse arch.
The arches provide shock absorption during locomotion and help to distribute load across the foot.
The medial longitudinal arch's keystone is the talus.
The lateral longitudinal arch's keystone is the calcaneus.
The transverse arch is formed by the distal row of tarsal bones and the metatarsal bases. The intermediate cuneiform is the keystone.

Muscles of the foot

The metatarsalphalangeal joints permit extension, flexion, abduction, and adduction of the toes.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the anatomy of the foot and ankle, focusing on the structure and function of the hindfoot. This quiz covers key joints, ligaments, and anatomical features that contribute to foot stability and mobility. Perfect for students of anatomy or healthcare professionals.