There are five metatarsal bones of the foot:  metatarsal I,  metatarsal II, metatarsal III,  metatarsal IV and metatarsal V. The first metatarsal bone (metatarsal I) is located at the medial side of the midfoot. It is inlined with the big toe and is considered the strongest among the metatarsal bones.  Metatarsal II is located next to metatarsal I at its lateral side. It is attached with the phalanx next to the big toe. Metatarsal III is the middlemost metatarsal bone and is connected with the middle toe. Metatarsal IV is situated second to the last metatarsal bone and is joined with the fourth toe. Lastly, metatarsal V is located at the most lateral side. It is aligned and attached with the fifth and smallest toe.

The distal end of the metatarsal bones are joined with the proximal end of the toes, forming the metatarsophalengeal joints. Meanwhile, the proximal end of the metatarsal bones are attached with the tarsal bones, forming the tarsometatarsal joints.

In general, the metatarsal bones work together with the tarsal bones, phalanges, tendons and ligaments to allow movement of the foot.