Cuneiform (anatomy)

There are three cuneiform bones in the human foot: the medial cuneiform, the intermediate cuneiform and the lateral cuneiform. They are located between the navicular bone and the first, second and third metatarsal bones and are medial to the cuboid bone.

The first cuneiform (a.k.a. os cuneiform primum / medial cuneiform) is the largest of the cuneiforms. It is situated at the medial side of the foot, anterior to the navicular and posterior to the base of the first metatarsal. It articulates with four bones: the navicular , second cuneiform, and first and second metatarsals.

The second cuneiform (a.k.a. os cuneiforme secundum / intermediate cuneiform / middle cuneiform) is shaped like a wedge, the thin end pointing downwards. It is situated between the other two cuneiforms, and articulates with the navicular posteriorly, the second metatarsal anteriorly and with the other cuneiforms on either side.

The third cuneiform (a.k.a. os cuneiforme tertium / lateral cuneiform / external cuneiform) intermediate in size between the two preceding, is also wedge-shaped, the base being uppermost. It occupies the center of the front row of the tarsal bones, between the second cuneiform medially, the cuboid laterally, the navicular posteriorly and the third metatarsal in front.

See also

• Bone terminology
• Terms for anatomical location