Cuneiform Bones

Cuneiform Bones: Anatomy and Role in Foot Movement

The sphenoid bones, also known as the sphenoid metatarsal bones, are three small bones that are located in the medial part of the tarsus. These bones connect to the bases of the metatarsals and the navicular bone, as well as the cuboid bone on the lateral side.

The medial cuneiform bone is the largest of the three bones and articulates with the first metatarsal bone. The intermediate cuneiform bone articulates with the second metatarsal bone, and the lateral cuneiform bone articulates with the third metatarsal bone. The sphenoid bones play an important role in supporting the foot and ensuring its stability, especially during movement.

The sphenoid bones help form the arch of the foot, which serves as a shock absorber when walking and running. The arch of the foot is formed by the bending of the bones in the tarsus and their opening in the metatarsus. This allows the foot to adapt to uneven surfaces and absorb shock as it moves.

In addition, the sphenoid bones play an important role in maintaining the foot in an upright position. They help prevent flat feet and provide foot stability when moving on uneven surfaces.

Damage to the sphenoid bones can lead to various foot problems such as flat feet, nose bridge disease and others. Often such problems arise from the wrong shoes, incorrect positioning of the foot when walking, or when the foot is overloaded, for example, when playing sports.

In conclusion, the Sphenoid bones are important bones in the foot that play a key role in providing stability and maintaining the arch of the foot. If you have problems with your feet, you should consult a doctor to get professional help and prevent possible complications.



The sphenoid bones are part of the bony structure of the foot and serve an important function in maintaining its architecture and movement. In total, there are three wedge-shaped bones in the foot, which lie in front of the metatarsal bones and occupy the medial region of the tarsus. Each cuneiform bone connects to the bases of the corresponding metatarsal bones.

The largest of the cuneiform bones is called the medial cuneiform bone and connects to the first metatarsal bone. Its position in the medial tarsus gives the foot stability and supports its arch structure. The intermediate cuneiform bone connects to the base of the second metatarsal, while the lateral cuneiform bone connects to the base of the third metatarsal. This connection provides the necessary support and flexibility to the forefoot.

The sphenoid bones also have connections to other bones of the foot. Posteriorly, they connect to the navicular bone, forming a stable articulation that facilitates the movement of the foot. On the lateral side, the cuneiform bones connect to the cuboid bone, providing additional support and stability to the lateral part of the foot.

Functionally, the cuneiform bones play an important role in locomotion and maintaining the architecture of the foot. They are involved in shock absorption during walking and running, and also provide flexibility and adaptation of the foot to various surfaces and uneven surfaces. In addition, the wedge bones serve as attachment points for various muscles and ligaments, which contribute to the proper functioning of the foot.

In conclusion, the wedge bones are important elements of the bony structure of the foot. Their connections to the metatarsal, navicular, and cuboid bones provide stability, support, and flexibility to the foot, allowing for a variety of movements and maintaining even load distribution during walking and running. Understanding the anatomy and function of the sphenoid bones is important for podiatrists, physical therapists, and other health professions involved in the treatment and rehabilitation of foot injuries and diseases.



The sphenoid bones are three small bones located anteriorly on the medial side of the tarsus. They are located on the median plane of the foot, connected to the bases of all metatarsal phalanges. Among the bones, they are the largest and are located in the middle, if we consider the body of the foot from the radial side. The intermediate bone is located at the level of the base of the metatarsophalangeal phalanx of the second toe, and the lateral ones are behind the rest: the middle one is between the second and third phalanx, and the first is behind the other bones of the foot.

Translated into Russian, the word “wedge-shaped” means “pointed.” This is what gives the bones their name. If you look at the skeleton of the foot, their pointed shape is immediately noticeable, which makes it possible to suspect abnormalities in the development of the foot at birth. Some of these anomalies are associated with underdevelopment of the posterior lobes of the sphenoid ossicles. The result is a high instep of the rear edge of one foot or both