Talus

A crucial bone in the ankle joint that facilitates movement and bears weight.

The talus, also known as the ankle bone, is one of the seven tarsal bones located in the foot. It sits above the heel bone (calcaneus) and connects the foot to the leg. The talus is unique in having no muscular attachments, making it essential for the movement of the ankle and foot.

Terminologia Anatomica

talus

System

Skeletal system

Function

The primary function of the talus is to transmit weight from the tibia and fibula in the leg to the foot, playing a vital role in the body's ability to stand, walk, and run. It facilitates various movements, such as dorsiflexion (lifting the foot upwards) and plantarflexion (pointing the foot downwards), as well as inversion and eversion of the foot, which allow for proper balance and agility. By maintaining stability and flexibility at the ankle joint, the talus is instrumental in movements across uneven surfaces and during activities involving changes in direction, contributing significantly to overall mobility.

Location

The talus is located in the lower limb at the proximal part of the foot, sitting on top of the calcaneus (heel bone) and below the tibia and fibula (the two bones of the lower leg). It forms the lower part of the ankle joint by articulating with the tibia and fibula at the upper surface, known as the dome of the talus. It also connects to the calcaneus at the posterior side and the navicular bone at the anterior side, allowing for a complex arrangement that supports the foot's arch and provides stability during movement.

Did You Know?

The talus is one of only two bones in the human body that have no muscle attachments, making it unique among the bones in the feet.
Due to its position and function, the talus is crucial for diagnosing certain foot-related injuries and conditions.
The blood supply to the talus is primarily through small branches of the posterior tibial artery, making it susceptible to avascular necrosis in cases of injury.