Calcaneus
It has been suggested that Sustentaculum tali be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since July 2015. |
Calcaneus | |
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The calcaneus forms the bony part of the heel. It forms a joint with the talus bone, the subtalar joint.
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Bones of the foot, with the calcaneus shown in red
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Details | |
Latin | Calcaneus, Calcaneum, Os calcis |
Identifiers | |
Gray's | p.263 |
MeSH | A02.835.232.043.300.710.300 |
TA | A02.5.11.001 |
FMA | 24496 |
Anatomical terms of bone |
In humans, the calcaneus (/kælˈkeɪniːəs/; from the Latin calcaneus or calcaneum, meaning heel[1]) or heel bone is a bone of the tarsus of the foot which constitutes the heel. In some other animals, it is the point of the hock.
Contents
Structure[edit]
In humans, the calcaneus is the largest of the tarsal bones and the largest bone of the foot. The talus, calcaneus, and navicular are considered the proximal row of tarsal bones.[2] In the calcaneus, several important structures can be distinguished:[2]
The half of the bone closest to the heel is the tuber calcanei. On its lower edge on either side are its lateral and medial processes (serving as the origins of the abductor hallucis and abductor digit minimi). The calcaneal (Achilles) tendon is inserted into a roughened area on its superior side, the cuboid bone articulates with its anterior side, and on its superior side are three articular surfaces for the articulation with the talus bone. Between these superior articulations and the equivalents on the talus is the tarsal sinus (a canal occupied by the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament). On the medial side of the bone, below the middle talar facet, is the sustentaculum tali (which serves for the attachment of several other ligaments). On the lateral side is commonly a tubercle called the peroneal trochlea, under which is a groove for the tendon of the peroneus longus.[2]
The calcaneus is part of two joints: the proximal intertarsal joint and the talocalcaneal joint. The point of the calcaneus is covered by the calcanean bursa.
Development[edit]
In the calcaneus, an ossification center is developed during the 4th–7th week of fetal development. [2]
Function[edit]
Three muscles attach to the calcaneus: the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris. These muscles are part of the posterior compartment of the leg and aid in walking, running and jumping. Their specific functions include plantarflexion of the foot, flexion of the knee, and steadying the leg on the ankle during standing.
Muscle | Direction | Attachment[3] |
Gastrocnemius | Insertion | Tuber calcanei through the achilles tendon |
Soleus | Insertion | Tuber calcanei through the achilles tendon |
Plantaris | Insertion | Tuber calcanei either directly or through the achilles tendon |
Extensor digitorum brevis | Origin | Dorsal side of calcaneus |
Abductor hallucis | Origin | Medial process of calcaneus |
Extensor hallucis brevis | Origin | Dorsal side of calcaneus |
Abductor digiti minimi | Origin | Tuber calcanei |
Flexor digitorum brevis | Origin | Tuber calcanei |
Quadratus plantae | Origin | Lateral and medial processes of calcaneus |
Clinical significance[edit]
Normally the tibia sits vertically above the calcaneus (pes rectus). If the calcaneal axis between these two bones is turned medially the foot is in an everted position (pes valgus), and if it is turned laterally the foot is in an inverted position (pes varus).[4]
- Calcaneal fracture, also known as Lover's fracture and Don Juan fracture
See also[edit]
Additional images[edit]
Notes[edit]
- ^ Mosby’s Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary, Fourth Edition, Mosby-Year Book Inc., 1994, p. 242
- ^ a b c d Platzer (2004), p 216
- ^ Bojsen-Møller, Finn; Simonsen, Erik B.; Tranum-Jensen, Jørgen (2001). Bevægeapparatets anatomi [Anatomy of the Locomotive Apparatus] (in Danish) (12th ed.). pp. 364–367. ISBN 978-87-628-0307-7.
- ^ Thieme Atlas of Anatomy (2006), p 410
References[edit]
- Platzer, Werner (2004). Color Atlas of Human Anatomy, Vol. 1: Locomotor System (5th ed.). Thieme. ISBN 3-13-533305-1.
- Thieme Atlas of Anatomy: General Anatomy and Musculoskeletal System. Thieme. 2006. ISBN 1-58890-419-9.
- Saladin, Kenneth (2012). Anatomy and Physiology, The Unity of Form and Function. McGraw Hill. pp. 270–271. ISBN 978-0-07-337825-1.
- "Calcaneus (Heel Bone) Fractures". American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Retrieved 13 Dec 2012.
External links[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Calcaneus. |
- lljoints at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) (posterioranklejoint)
- 3D printable calcaneus model, free download in STL format (Embodi3D.com)
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