Fifth metatarsal bone

The fifth metatarsal bone (highlighted in red)

The Fifth Metatarsal Bone is one of the five long bones in the foot, located on the outer edge of the foot. It is the bone that connects the little toe to the rest of the foot. This bone is prone to certain types of fractures, particularly in athletes.

Anatomy

The fifth metatarsal bone is the longest of the metatarsal bones and can be divided into the base, the shaft, the neck, and the head. The base is the part of the bone that connects to the tarsal bones. The shaft is the long, thin part of the bone. The neck is the slightly wider part of the bone just before the head, which is the end of the bone that connects to the toes.

Function

The fifth metatarsal bone plays a crucial role in maintaining balance while standing and walking. It also provides support for the foot when it is raised off the ground, such as during running or jumping.

Clinical Significance

The fifth metatarsal bone is often the site of fractures, particularly avulsion fractures and Jones fractures. An avulsion fracture occurs when a small piece of bone is pulled off by a tendon or ligament. A Jones fracture is a fracture that occurs at the base of the fifth metatarsal bone, near the midfoot.

See Also

• Metatarsal bones
• Foot anatomy
• Jones fracture