Tarsus vs. Carpus — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 16, 2024
Tarsus refers to the cluster of seven articulating bones in each foot's ankle, forming the lower part of the leg, while carpus denotes the group of eight bones in each wrist, connecting the hand to the forearm.
Difference Between Tarsus and Carpus
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The tarsus, located in the ankle of the foot, is composed of seven bones including the talus and calcaneus, which play key roles in movement and stability. In contrast, the carpus consists of eight smaller bones such as the scaphoid and lunate, which are essential for wrist flexibility and motion. This difference in bone count and structure highlights their distinct functions in mobility and support.
In terms of functionality, the tarsus supports the body's weight and is involved in walking and running, providing stability and shock absorption. Meanwhile, the carpus allows for a wide range of hand movements including rotation, flexion, and extension, crucial for manipulating objects and performing various tasks.
During development, both the tarsus and carpus originate from cartilaginous structures that gradually ossify. However, the ossification timing and pattern differ between the two, reflecting their varied roles and mechanical stresses they experience.
Injuries affecting the tarsus and carpus also differ significantly. Tarsal injuries often involve strains or fractures that can affect walking, while carpal injuries typically involve conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or fractures impacting hand movements.
Both regions are targeted for different treatments and interventions based on their anatomy and the common injuries associated with each. The tarsus might require treatments aimed at weight-bearing aspects, whereas the carpus might see more focus on mobility restoration and ergonomic adjustments.
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Comparison Chart
Number of Bones
Seven
Eight
Primary Function
Weight-bearing and stability
Hand movements and flexibility
Common Injuries
Strains, fractures
Carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures
Developmental Origin
Cartilaginous, ossifies later
Cartilaginous, ossifies differently
Location in the Body
Lower leg, above the foot
Forearm, connects to the hand
Compare with Definitions
Tarsus
Anatomical term for the cluster of bones forming the ankle.
The tarsus bears significant weight during running.
Carpus
Allows extensive movement and manipulation capabilities.
Artists often need flexible carpus to manipulate tools effectively.
Tarsus
Composed of seven distinct bones.
One of the key bones in the tarsus is the talus.
Carpus
Composed of eight small bones.
Fractures in the carpus often involve the scaphoid bone.
Tarsus
Part of the lower limb connecting the leg to the foot.
An injury to the tarsus can severely affect mobility.
Carpus
Connects the hand to the forearm.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common issue in the carpus area.
Tarsus
Essential for lower limb stability and movement.
Tarsus injuries might require surgical intervention for stability.
Carpus
Anatomical term for the group of bones forming the wrist.
The carpus enables the wrist to rotate and flex.
Tarsus
Supports and distributes body weight during movement.
Proper footwear helps protect the tarsus from impact during walking.
Carpus
Crucial for hand function and dexterity.
Injuries to the carpus can impair fine motor skills.
Tarsus
The section of the vertebrate foot between the leg and the metatarsus.
Carpus
The group of eight bones forming the joint between the forearm and the hand. Also called wrist.
Tarsus
The bones making up this section, especially the seven small bones of the human ankle.
Carpus
A joint in quadrupeds corresponding to the wrist.
Tarsus
A fibrous plate that supports and shapes the edge of the eyelid. Also called tarsal plate.
Carpus
(skeleton) The group of bones that make up the wrist.
Tarsus
The tarsometatarsus.
Carpus
The wrist; the bones or cartilages between the forearm, or antibrachium, and the hand or forefoot; in man, consisting of eight short bones disposed in two rows.
Tarsus
The distal part of the leg of an arthropod, usually divided into segments.
Carpus
A joint between the distal end of the radius and the proximal row of carpal bones
Tarsus
The part between the main part of the hindlimb and the metatarsus in terrestrial vertebrates.
Tarsus
(skeleton) A group of small bones in this part of the foot. The seven bones of the human tarsus form the ankle and upper part of the foot.
Tarsus
(zootomy) The shank or tarsometatarsus of the leg of a bird or reptile.
Tarsus
(zootomy) The true foot or the fifth joint of the leg of an insect or other arthropod, typically consisting of several small segments and ending in a claw.
Tarsus
(anatomy) A plate of dense connective tissue found in each eyelid, attached to either the superior tarsal muscle (in the upper eyelid) or inferior tarsal muscle (lower eyelid), which aid with sympathetic control.
Tarsus
The ankle; the bones or cartilages of the part of the foot between the metatarsus and the leg, consisting in man of seven short bones.
Tarsus
The foot of an insect or a crustacean. It usually consists of form two to five joints.
Tarsus
The part of the foot of a vertebrate between the metatarsus and the leg; in human beings the bones of the ankle and heel collectively
Common Curiosities
How many bones are in the carpus?
The carpus contains eight bones.
How many bones are in the tarsus?
There are seven bones in the tarsus.
What are common injuries of the tarsus?
Common tarsal injuries include strains and fractures that affect walking and stability.
How does the structure of the tarsus aid in its function?
The structure of the tarsus, consisting of larger and more compact bones, provides necessary support and shock absorption essential for weight-bearing and stabilizing movements during activities like walking and running.
What are common injuries of the carpus?
Common carpal injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome and fractures that impact hand movements.
What is the carpus?
The carpus is the assembly of eight bones in the wrist joint, connecting the forearm to the hand.
What is the main function of the tarsus?
The main function of the tarsus is to support body weight and provide stability during movement.
Can injuries to the tarsus and carpus lead to long-term complications?
Yes, injuries to both the tarsus and carpus can lead to long-term complications if not properly treated. Tarsal injuries can result in chronic pain and mobility issues, whereas carpal injuries can lead to lasting weakness, decreased dexterity, and chronic pain syndromes like carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is the tarsus?
The tarsus refers to the group of seven bones in the ankle joint of the foot.
How does the structure of the carpus aid in its function?
The carpus's structure, featuring smaller, interconnected bones, allows for a high degree of flexibility and dexterity, facilitating complex wrist and hand movements necessary for gripping and manipulating objects.
Are there specific sports or activities that are more likely to cause injuries to the tarsus?
Activities involving running, jumping, or abrupt directional changes, such as soccer, basketball, and running, can increase the risk of tarsal injuries due to the high impact and stress placed on the ankle.
Are there specific sports or activities that are more likely to cause injuries to the carpus?
Sports or activities that involve repetitive wrist motions or high impact on the hands, such as gymnastics, tennis, and baseball, are more likely to cause carpal injuries due to the stresses placed on the wrist bones and ligaments.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
