In a sequential series of foot radiographs taken between birth and 5 years of age, one tarsal bone consistently shows its ossification centre later than every other tarsal bone. Which bone is it?

• A Lateral cuneiform
• B Navicular ✓
• C Medial cuneiform
• D Intermediate cuneiform

Explanation

The navicular is the last tarsal bone to ossify, its centre appearing between the third and fourth years of life. Calcaneus, talus and cuboid are present at or just after birth, the lateral cuneiform appears around the first year, and the medial and intermediate cuneiforms along with the navicular complete the sequence by the fourth year. B navicular centre absent beyond about 4 years is therefore abnormal, while absence of the calcaneal or talar centre at birth signals prematurity.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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