Bone · Foot

2nd metatarsal

The longest metatarsal, and the one held most rigidly at its base. That base is recessed into a slot between the medial and lateral cuneiforms and locked against the intermediate cuneiform behind, so it is gripped on three sides and moves very little. The shaft is slender and the head forms the second of the balls of the foot; from here the metatarsals shorten progressively toward the outer border.