MTPJ is the abbreviation for which joint in the foot?

• A. Intertarsal joint
• B. Tarsometatarsal joint
• C. Metatarsophalangeal joint
• D. Ankle joint

Answer: (C)

Understanding anatomical abbreviations and where the joints sit in the foot is what this question tests. MTPJ stands for Metatarsophalangeal joint—the joint between the heads of the metatarsal bones and the proximal phalanges of the toes. This area forms the ball of the foot and acts as a hinge with tilting in two directions, mainly allowing toe flexion and extension to enable the push-off phase during gait. It’s distinct from other foot joints: intertarsal joints lie between tarsal bones, tarsometatarsal joints connect the tarsals to the metatarsals, and the ankle joint is the connection between the leg bones (tibia and fibula) and the talus. So the abbreviation refers specifically to the metatarsophalangeal joint.