The feet are flexible structures of bones, joints, muscles, and
soft tissues that let us stand upright and perform activities
like walking, running, and jumping. The feet are divided into
three sections: - The forefoot contains the five toes
(phalanges) and the five longer bones (metatarsals). - The
midfoot is a pyramid-like collection of bones that form the
arches of the feet. These include the three cuneiform bones, the
cuboid bone, and the navicular bone. - The hindfoot forms the
heel and ankle. The talus bone supports the leg bones (tibia and
fibula), forming the ankle. The calcaneus (heel bone) is the
largest bone in the foot. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments run
along the surfaces of the feet, allowing the complex movements
needed for motion and balance. The Achilles tendon connects the
heel to the calf muscle and is essential for running, jumping,
and standing on the toes.