Third metatarsal (left) (Os metatarsale tertium)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The metatarsal of the third toe in the left foot: a long shaft with a tarsal base behind and a phalangeal head in front. Articulating with the lateral cuneiform, it balances the third toe between the two arches.
Clinical notes
Stress fractures smoulder as gradual midfoot pain without a clear injury; rest and load reduction heal them before a complete break occurs.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Third metatarsal (left)?
The metatarsal of the third toe in the left foot: a long shaft with a tarsal base behind and a phalangeal head in front. Articulating with the lateral cuneiform, it balances the third toe between the two arches.
Why is the Third metatarsal (left) clinically important?
Stress fractures smoulder as gradual midfoot pain without a clear injury; rest and load reduction heal them before a complete break occurs.
Source & license
Derived from Z-Anatomy (Gauthier Kervyn et al.), CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/); upstream geometry from BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science. license details