Second metatarsal bone: anatomy, location and function

Also called

second metatarsal

What it is

The longest metatarsal in most people. One of the five long bones of the forefoot.

Location

Lies between the tarsal bones of the midfoot and the proximal phalanx of its toe.

Function

Forms the arches and forefoot, bearing weight and acting as a lever in walking.

Body system

Skeletal · paired (left and right)

FMA ID

FMA24510 (Foundational Model of Anatomy)

Key facts

• Its base sits recessed between the medial and lateral cuneiforms and articulates with the intermediate cuneiform, making it a stable keystone.
• The first and second dorsal interossei insert into the second toe, which is the axis of the foot for abduction and adduction.

Clinical relevance

Stress (march) fractures commonly occur in the second and third metatarsals. The Lisfranc ligament joins its base to the medial cuneiform, and injury here disrupts the tarsometatarsal joints. Osteonecrosis of its head (Freiberg disease) typically affects adolescents.

The nearest named structures in the 3D model, measured from the centre of each part:

• Third metatarsal bone · skeletal
• First plantar interosseous of foot · muscular
• Oblique head of adductor hallucis · muscular
• First metatarsal bone · skeletal
• Second lumbrical of foot · muscular
• First lumbrical of foot · muscular
• Lateral head of flexor hallucis brevis · muscular
• Second plantar interosseous of foot · muscular
• Deep plantar artery · cardiovascular
• Extensor hallucis brevis · muscular