İKİNCİ FEN · İKİNCİ BÂB · ÜÇÜNCÜ FASIL · Yedinci Madde
**Seventh Section**
It describes the foot bones.
O esteemed one! It is known that anatomists have said: The feet are created as instruments to stand upon. Therefore, they extend forward, so that they may assist in bearing weight and standing. They are tapered from their middle towards the inner side, so that when standing, the front of the foot faces its direction, and during walking, the forefoot bears with a proper arrangement. When stepping on thorny places, they act cautiously so that the thorn does not penetrate them severely. On stair-like stepped surfaces, the sole of the foot adheres easily and firmly, preventing it from slipping outwards.
It is known that the foot consists of many bones, and one of its benefits is that the foot possesses the power to remain stable by firmly grasping whatever it steps upon, just as the palm of the hand grasps and holds an object. Other benefits are shared with those of other multi-boned organs, as previously explained. The number of bones in a single foot is accepted as twenty-six. Among these is the calcaneus bone, which completes the heel joint. Another is the talus bone, upon which the foundations of standing are realized. Another is the navicular bone [576], by which the middle of the foot rises from and descends to the ground. There are four tarsal bones, with which the foot joins the metatarsus. One is the os zygomaticum, which is hexagonal in shape. This bone is placed on the outer side of the foot, so that its lateral surface may bear weight strongly. Five metatarsals are also created for the arch.
The heel bone of the human foot is created more like a cube than the heels of other animals. And the most beneficial bone in the movement of the foot is considered to be the heel bone. Likewise, the most essential part of the system necessary for standing firmly is also the heel. The heel is placed between the two rounded sides previously mentioned, so that it may encompass and surround the heel from above, its summit, its outer side, and its inner side. The two protrusions of the heel enter the two depressions in the fibula. And this heel bone serves as a means between the heel and the talus, by which they are firmly joined together. The heel bone is located centrally, connected to it at its front by a connecting joint with the navicular bone.
The navicular bone is attached behind to the talus, in front to the ends of the tarsal bones, and above to the calcaneus. The talus is placed beneath the heel, and it itself is hard and created with a rounded back, so that it may withstand calamities and cast aside things striking it forcefully. Its underside is created flat, so that it may be easily pressed down upon and remain stably on whatever it steps upon. It is large, so that it may possess the power to carry the entire body. Its shape is a flattened triangle, gradually tapering until it reaches the middle of the foot, ending when it reaches its outer side, so that the footprint descends gradually from behind towards its center.
The tarsus is opposed to the carpus (wrist). For the bones of the tarsus are known in one row, while those of the carpus are known in two rows. The bones of the tarsus are fewer than those of the wrist, because the need for grasping and movement is greater in the hand. What is desired of the foot is to stand and provide support. Therefore, it has been created in this manner, as an abundance of bones and joints would be detrimental to standing and providing support, just as a complete absence thereof would not assist in standing and providing support.
The metatarsus consists of five bones, so that each may join with one of the five toes in a row. The toes are created shorter than the fingers of the hand, because what is desired of the foot is to provide support, while what is desired of the hand is to grasp. The thumb consists of two large phalanges, and the others consist of three phalanges each, so that the walking movement may be smooth and the walker may walk with a sway. Thus, the bones which are spoken of as the pillars of the human body’s structure reach a total of three hundred in conjunction with the simsimani [tendons]. In their immense structures arranged in this manner, there are immense lessons for those endowed with reason. Those possessing intellect contemplate the wondrous shapes and remain astonished at the unique and flawless creation of the Exalted God. Those who are amazed derive countless spiritual delights from this human structure adorned with such artistry, and express their amazement by saying, “We glorify God, free from all imperfection, Who created all these things in the most beautiful manner and gave them form.”
“We glorify God, free from all imperfection, Who created all these things in the most beautiful manner and gave them form. His praise is exalted. He is Almighty and Wise.”
[574]. This bone is also called the os ilium (azm-ı hâsse). It is called "sekerden" in Turkish, meaning “empty hip.” (From Shams al-Din al-Itaqi’s Illustrated Anatomy Book, p. 153.)
[575]. In Turkish, it is called the uca kemiği and oturak kemiği (ankle bone and seat bone).
[576]. Zevrak: Means a boat.
Each of the two iliac bones is divided into four parts: The upper and outer part is named the hazira bone and harkafa bone. Those on the front side are called the pubic bone (azm-ı âne). Those on the back side are called the verek bone (azm-ı verek). The inner and lower ones are called the budun kabı (hokka’l-fahz), because they contain depressions into which the round heads of the two iliac bones enter. The male organ (âlât-ı meni) is located in the inner side of the pelvis.
The benefit of the two legs is twofold. One is to stand and remain upright, which is accomplished through them. The other is to ascend, descend, and move on level ground. These movements are achieved through the legs and hips. If harm befalls the foot, standing becomes difficult; yet if the damage is not severe enough to require a support, walking remains easy. Should harm affect the calf muscles and hip muscles, standing will be easy, but walking will become difficult.
It is accepted that the number of bones in a single foot is twenty-six, including the talus bone, which completes the heel joint; and the calcaneus, upon which the foundations of standing are established; and the astragalus, by which the middle of the foot rises from the ground and descends to it. There are four tarsal bones that connect with the metatarsals. One is the os naviculare, which is placed on the outer side of the foot in a hexagonal shape, so that the foot may rest firmly on that side. Five bones are also created for the metatarsus.
Each of the two hip bones is divided into four parts: the ilium and the outer portion; the ischial bone (azm-i verek); the pubic bone (azm-i âne) on the front; and the sacrum, which connects to the lower portions. Within the pelvis are situated sensitive organs such as the male genitalia, uterus, anus, and bladder.