What bones are included in the foot?

The foot consists of three primary groups of bones: tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges. The tarsals are a set of seven bones located in the hindfoot and midfoot, including the talus and calcaneus, which provide structure and support. The metatarsals are five long bones that form the middle part of the foot and are crucial for weight-bearing and balance during walking. Lastly, the phalanges are the bones of the toes, with each toe typically having three phalanges (except for the big toe, which has two). This combination of bone types reflects the specific anatomy of the foot, designed for stability, mobility, and the ability to absorb impact while walking or running.

The other options refer to different sets of bones in the body: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar bones are part of the vertebral column; carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges belong to the hand; and the humerus, radius, and ulna are the primary bones in the upper arm and forearm. None of these options represent the anatomy of the foot.