tarsus

1. As a division of the skeleton, the seven tarsal bones of the instep. SYN: root of foot. See tarsal bones, under bone. [G. tarsos, a flat surface, sole of the foot, edge of eyelid] 2. The fibrous plates giving solidity and form to the edges of the eyelids; often erroneously called tarsal or ciliary cartilages. SYN: skeleton of eyelid. SEE ALSO: inferior t., superior t..

- t. inferior [TA] SYN: inferior t..

- inferior t. [TA] the fibrous plate in the lower eyelid. SYN: t. inferior [TA].

- t. superior [TA] SYN: superior t..

- superior t. [TA] the fibrous plate in the upper eyelid. SYN: t. superior [TA].

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tar·sus 'tär-səs n, pl tar·si -.sī, -.sē

1) the part of the foot of a vertebrate between the metatarsus and the leg also the small bones supporting this part of the limb that include the three cuneiform bones and the cuboid in a distal row and the navicular, calcaneus, and talus in a proximal row

2) TARSAL PLATE

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n. (pl. tarsi)

1. the seven bones of the ankle and proximal part of the foot. The tarsus articulates with the metatarsals distally and with the tibia and fibula proximally.

2. the firm fibrous connective tissue that forms the basis of each eyelid.

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tar·sus (tahrґsəs) [L., from Gr. tarsos a frame of wickerwork; any broad flat surface] 1. [TA] the region of the foot adjacent to the articulation between the foot and the leg, composed of seven tarsal bones (ossa tarsi). Called also ankle. 2. one of the plates of connective tissue forming the framework of an eyelid; see t. inferior palpebrae and t. superior palpebrae.

Tarsus, comprising the seven tarsal bones.