The other six tarsals, tightly bound together by ligaments below the talus, function as a strong weight-bearing platform. |
The tarsals are ankylosed respectively to the tibia and metatarsals as in other birds. |
The tarsals correspond to the carpal bones of the upper limb. |
The tarsals and metatarsals form the arches of the foot, which give it strength and enable it to act as a lever. |
If the foot is supple and the ligaments are lax the tarsals may be displaced to an extreme degree before the ligaments are strained. |
The remaining tarsals include the navicular, cuboid, and three cuneiforms. |