title: Complexities of foot architecture as a base of support.
abstract: The human foot is a unique structure in the animal kingdom, as it is capable of supporting sustained bipedal gait. The foot facilitates upright walking in several ways: 1) load bearing, 2) leverage, 3) shock absorption, 4) balance, and 5) protection. In this article, we discuss the specialized architecture that enables the foot to accomplish these functions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City 52242, USA.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Saltzman
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Nawoczenski
mesh_terms: D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000502:physiology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005528:Foot / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D016474:Weight-Bearing