Largest tarsal bone is-

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2024

Explanation

The calcaneus, also known as the heel bone, is the largest and strongest among the seven tarsal bones.
It is located in the posterior part of the foot (hindfoot) and forms the prominence of the heel.
Its primary role is to transmit the majority of the body's weight from the talus to the ground during standing and walking.

Option A: The talus is the second-largest tarsal bone, not the largest. It is located superior to the calcaneus.
Option B: The cuboid is one of the smaller tarsal bones, located on the lateral side of the foot.
Option D: The femur is the thigh bone and is not a tarsal bone. Tarsal bones are located in the foot.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy of the tarsal bones of the foot as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Calcaneal fractures, often called a 'lover's fracture,' typically occur from a fall from a height and can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, and difficulty walking.
The calcaneus serves as the insertion point for the Achilles tendon. Inflammation (tendinitis) or rupture of this tendon is a common cause of heel pain and disability.
Nurses should be aware of the high risk of compartment syndrome and soft tissue complications following a calcaneal fracture, requiring careful neurovascular assessment of the foot.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'Largest' and 'tarsal bone'. This is a factual recall question about anatomy.
Next, analyze the options provided. Recall or deduce the location of each bone.
Eliminate options that do not fit the category 'tarsal bone'. The Femur is the thigh bone, so it can be immediately ruled out.
Compare the remaining options (Talus, Cuboid, Calcaneus), which are all tarsal bones.
Recall the relative sizes of the tarsal bones. The Calcaneus is the heel bone and is the most substantial bone in the foot.
Select Calcaneus as the largest tarsal bone.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QWCz0eeDIp82KFXE7sPVSd

E6 Anatomy BDChaurasia V2 10e Part 1 pp. 57-59, 54-56

E6 Physiology Ganong 27e Vol 2 Part 3 p. 31-33

Practise the full RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.