Mnemonic

Tarsal Bones

A memory aid for the seven tarsal bones of the foot.

Expansion

Talus, Calcaneus, Navicular, Cuboid and the medial, intermediate and lateral Cuneiforms

Mnemonic

“Tall Californian Never Made It Little Cousin”, working back to front:

  • T - Talus
  • C - Calcaneus
  • N - Navicular
  • M, I, L - Medial, Intermediate and Lateral cuneiforms
  • C - Cuboid

That is seven tarsal bones, against eight carpal bones in the wrist.

The talus has no muscular attachments and, like the scaphoid, has a retrograde blood supply, which is why fractures of its neck risk avascular necrosis of the body.

Expansion

Hindfoot:

  • Talus
  • Calcaneus

Midfoot:

  • Navicular
  • Cuboid
  • Medial cuneiform
  • Intermediate cuneiform
  • Lateral cuneiform

Memory hook: “Tall Californians Navigate Cuboids, Cuneiforms Come in Three.”