noun

tarsus

TAR-sus/tˈɑrsʌs/

The ankle region or corresponding foot segment in an animal.

Seven bones form the tarsus between the heel and the longer foot bones.

A single enlarged plantar view of an articulated human foot skeleton, with the seven tarsal bones colored ochre and the five metatarsals and toe bones pale ivory.

Etymology

Greek tarsos named the ankle or sole, as well as various flat objects. The connecting image is the flat of the foot, whose bones give the anatomical group its name.

In context

Kenhub - Learn Human Anatomy0:17

And the talus is one in a group of seven bones of the foot which are collectively referred to as the tarsus.

Talus Bone Anatomy and Innervation - Human Anatomy | Kenhub

More examples

Several small bones form the tarsus of the human foot.
Each tarsus on the beetle's legs has several segments.
Researchers measure the bird's tarsus to help estimate its size.

Forms

tarsus · tarsi

tarsal adjective — Relating to the ankle or tarsus.

Similar words

ankle: Usually names the joint, not the entire corresponding foot segment.
hock: Names the hind-leg ankle region of many four-legged animals.