Foot · Short bone
Talus (Ankle Bone)
The talus is the bone that forms the lower part of the ankle joint, sitting between the leg bones and the heel. It transmits the body's entire weight to the foot.
What it is
The talus is a short bone at the top of the foot that slots between the tibia and fibula above and the heel bone below.
Where it is
The ankle, between the lower leg bones and the heel.
What it does
Forms the ankle joint, allowing the foot to point up and down, and transmits body weight from the leg to the foot.
Connections
Joints and connections
- Ankle joint (with the tibia and fibula)
- Joint with the heel bone (calcaneus)
When things go wrong
Common injuries and conditions
- Talus fracture (uncommon; usually from high-energy injury)
- It is central to most ankle sprains and fractures
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms; it is not a diagnosis. A severe injury, a visibly deformed limb, or the inability to move or bear weight needs urgent assessment — call 999 or go to A&E for a serious injury.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
The talus is unusual in having no muscles attached to it, and much of its surface is covered in smooth joint cartilage.
Answers
Talus: frequently asked questions
What is the talus?
The talus is the ankle bone that sits between the leg bones and the heel, forming the ankle joint and carrying body weight to the foot.
Explore the foot
Related bones
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Anatomy and body systems
- Gray's Anatomy for Students (Drake, Vogl, Mitchell)
- TeachMeAnatomy — skeletal system
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