metatarsophalangeal
- adjective
- /ˌmɛtəˌtɑrsəˈfælɪnˌdʒiəl/
- Specialized
- The doctor explained that the metatarsophalangeal joint is crucial for walking and running.
- metatarsophalangeal joint
Examples
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Some are of a "rocker design," that is, with a bottom shape similar to the sole of a clog so that roll-off of the forefoot occurs behind the metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot.
Academic text (1994) -
Injuries to the metatarsophalangeal area can lead to foot pain and difficulty in movement.
-
Special shoes can help relieve pressure on the metatarsophalangeal joints during physical activities.
Surface Forms
Morphology
metatarsophalangeal = metatarsal + phalanx (semi-transparent) = metatarso + phalange + al
Built from anatomical combining forms (metatarso- + phalange + -al); the structure is clear but the components are specialized medical terms, so general learners need domain knowledge.
Etymology
Metatarsophalangeal comes from three parts: meta- meaning 'after', tarso- meaning 'foot', and -phalangeal from phalanx meaning 'toe or finger bone'. So the adjective describes the area or joint where the long bones of the foot meet the toe bones.