The interphalangeal articulations of the foot

Foot

The foot is an anatomical structure found in many vertebrates. It is the terminal portion of a limb which bears weight and allows locomotion. In many animals with feet, the foot is a separate organ at the terminal part of the leg made up of one or more segments or bones, generally including claws...

 are the joint

Joint

A joint is the location at which two or more bones make contact. They are constructed to allow movement and provide mechanical support, and are classified structurally and functionally.-Classification:...

s between the phalanges (bones) of the toe

Toe

Toes are the digits of the foot of a tetrapod. Animal species such as cats that walk on their toes are described as being digitigrade. Humans, and other animals that walk on the soles of their feet, are described as being plantigrade; unguligrade animals are those that walk on hooves at the tips of...

s. They are ginglymoid (hinge) joints, and each has a plantar (underside) and two collateral

Collateral ligaments of interphalangeal articulations of foot

The collateral ligaments of interphalangeal articulations of foot are ligaments of the foot....

 ligament

Ligament

In anatomy, the term ligament is used to denote any of three types of structures. Most commonly, it refers to fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bones and is also known as articular ligament, articular larua, fibrous ligament, or true ligament.Ligament can also refer to:* Peritoneal...

s. In the arrangement of these ligaments, extensor

Extension (kinesiology)

In kinesiology, extension is a movement of a joint that results in increased angle between two bones or body surfaces at a joint. Extension usually results in straightening of the bones or body surfaces involved. For example, extension is produced by extending the flexed elbow. Straightening of...

 tendons supply the places of dorsal ligaments, which is similar to that in the metatarsophalangeal articulations.

Movements

The only movements permitted in the joints of the digits are flexion

Flexion

In anatomy, flexion is a position that is made possible by the joint angle decreasing. The skeletal and muscular systems work together to move the joint into a "flexed" position. For example the elbow is flexed when the hand is brought closer to the shoulder...

 and extension

Extension (kinesiology)

In kinesiology, extension is a movement of a joint that results in increased angle between two bones or body surfaces at a joint. Extension usually results in straightening of the bones or body surfaces involved. For example, extension is produced by extending the flexed elbow. Straightening of...

; these movements are more extensive between the first and second phalanges than between the second and third.

The amount of flexion is very considerable, but extension is limited by the plantar and collateral ligament

Collateral ligaments of interphalangeal articulations of foot

The collateral ligaments of interphalangeal articulations of foot are ligaments of the foot....

s.

See also

• Interphalangeal articulations of hand