Pes (anatomy)

Error creating thumbnail:

Pes (anatomy)

The term pes refers to the foot of a vertebrate animal. In human anatomy, the pes encompasses the tarsus, metatarsus, and phalanges (toes). The structure and function of the pes are crucial for locomotion, providing support, balance, and propulsion.

Anatomy

The human pes is composed of 26 bones, which can be categorized into three groups:

• Tarsus: This group consists of seven bones - the talus, calcaneus, navicular, medial cuneiform, intermediate cuneiform, lateral cuneiform, and cuboid.
• Metatarsus: This group includes five long bones, known as the metatarsal bones, which are numbered from one to five starting from the medial side.
• Phalanges: The toes are made up of 14 bones called phalanges. Each toe has three phalanges (proximal, middle, and distal), except for the hallux (big toe), which has only two (proximal and distal).

Function

The pes plays a vital role in various functions, including:

• Support: The pes supports the weight of the body in both standing and dynamic activities.
• Balance: The structure of the pes helps maintain balance during movement and when standing still.
• Propulsion: The pes aids in pushing the body forward during walking, running, and jumping.

Clinical Significance

Various conditions can affect the pes, including:

• Pes planus: Also known as flat feet, this condition occurs when the arches of the foot collapse.
• Pes cavus: This condition is characterized by an abnormally high arch.
• Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot.
• Bunions: A bony bump that forms on the joint at the base of the big toe.

Evolution

The structure of the pes has evolved significantly across different species to adapt to various modes of locomotion. For instance, the pes of birds has adapted for perching and grasping, while the pes of mammals like horses has evolved for running.

See Also

• Foot
• Ankle
• Gait (human)
• Orthopedics
• Podiatry