tarsometatarsus

anatomy

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July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

The tarsometatarsus is a large, compound bone found in the lower leg of birds. It is formed by the fusion of the metatarsals with the distal end of the tarsus. This bone supports the segment of the limb that includes the toes. In passerines, also known as perching birds, the tarsometatarsus (often simply called the tarsus) is typically covered by a horny sheath, though some species like swallows have feathered tarsi. The structure and scale patterns of the tarsometatarsus can vary among bird families and species.12

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Skeleton
…bones (proximal tarsals), and the tarsometatarsus, resulting from the fusion of metatarsals I through IV and the distal row of tarsals. Metatarsals II through IV contribute most to the tarsometatarsus. The basic number of phalanges (sections) on the toes is two, three, four, and five, respectively, one more than the…
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…bones (proximal tarsals), and the tarsometatarsus, resulting from the fusion of metatarsals I through IV and the distal row of tarsals. Metatarsals II through IV contribute most to the tarsometatarsus. The basic number of phalanges (sections) on the toes is two, three, four, and five, respectively, one more than the…
Read More