The metatarsal bones are a group of five long bones between the tarsus (heel) and the toes (phalanges). The group is referred to as the metatarsus bones. These bones are numbered from the inside to the outside because they do not have an individual name. They are all cylindrical in shape and the big toe has only a proximal phalanx and distal phalanx unlike the other four toes of the foot which have a proximal, middle and distal phalanx comprising the phalanges.

Starting with the big toe being counted as number one (1) then proceed outward across the foot to each toe respective to the big toe as number 1 to count them as number  2,3,4 ,5 of the metatarsus. This order of toes is how they are  referred to for anatomical purposes. This numbering system  is used by medical professionals for the metatarsus bones when indicating which of the five toes is being referred to.

The metatarsus bones support and transfer weight when a person is walking. They form an arch over the foot known as the instep. The base of the metatarsus joins the bones of the ankle and then attaches to each of the other metatarsal bones at the side. The base of the metatarsus is wedge shaped. The head (front end) of each of the five metatarsal bones joins the bones of the toes (phalanges) which are in front of the metatarsus. The total number of metatarsal bones in the human anatomy are ten.