Metatarsophalangeal joints

Metatarsophalangeal joints
The MTP, IP, PIP, and DIP joints of the foot:
  • MetaTarsoPhalangeal, at the ball of the foot
  • Interphalangeal joints of the foot:
    • InterPhalangeal (big toe only has one joint)
    • Proximal InterPhalangeal
    • Distal InterPhalangeal
Bones of the right foot; metatarsalphalangeal joints highlighted in an orange box
Details
Identifiers
Latinarticulationes metatarsophalangeae
MeSHD008683
TA98A03.6.10.801
TA21964
FMA35222 71356, 35222
Anatomical terminology

The metatarsophalangeal joints (MTP joints) are the joints between the metatarsal bones of the foot and the proximal bones (proximal phalanges) of the toes. They are analogous to the knuckles of the hand, and are consequently known as toe knuckles in common speech. They are condyloid joints, meaning that an elliptical or rounded surface (of the metatarsal bones) comes close to a shallow cavity (of the proximal phalanges). The region of skin directly below the joints forms the ball of the foot.

The ligaments are the plantar and two collateral.