PEDORTHICS
Certification Exam
Final Assessment
2025/2026 Version
165 Practice Questions
Complete with Detailed Explanations & Clinical Pearls
PART 1: ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY OF THE LOWER
EXTREMITY
Questions 1-30 | Bones, Muscles, Nerves & Vessels
Question 1
How many bones are in the adult human foot?
A) 24
B) 26
C) 28
D) 30
💡 DETAILED EXPLANATION
The adult human foot contains 26 bones divided into three regions:
• Hindfoot (7 bones): Talus, calcaneus, navicular, cuboid, and 3 cuneiforms
• Midfoot (5 bones): Already counted in hindfoot classification
• Forefoot (14 bones): 5 metatarsals and 14 phalanges (2 in big toe, 3 in each lesser toe)
Total: 7 tarsal + 5 metatarsal + 14 phalanges = 26 bones
✓ CLINICAL PEARL
The foot's 26 bones work together with 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments to provide
support, balance, and mobility. Understanding this architecture is fundamental to pedorthic practice.
Question 2
, Which tarsal bone articulates with the tibia and fibula?
A) Calcaneus
B) Talus
C) Navicular
D) Cuboid
💡 DETAILED EXPLANATION
The talus is the only tarsal bone that articulates with the leg bones (tibia and fibula). It forms the
talocrural joint (ankle joint) and is critical for transmitting forces between the leg and foot.
Key articulations of the talus:
• Superior: Tibia and fibula (ankle mortise)
• Inferior: Calcaneus (subtalar joint)
• Anterior: Navicular (talonavicular joint)
The talus has no muscle attachments and relies entirely on its bony and ligamentous connections.
⚠️ CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The talus has limited blood supply, making fractures prone to avascular necrosis. This bone's position
makes it crucial for normal gait biomechanics.
Question 3
What is the primary function of the plantar fascia?
A) Dorsiflex the foot
B) Support the longitudinal arch
C) Evert the foot
D) Flex the toes
💡 DETAILED EXPLANATION
The plantar fascia (plantar aponeurosis) is a thick fibrous band that runs from the calcaneus to
the metatarsal heads. Its primary function is to support the medial longitudinal arch and assist in
load distribution during gait.
Functions include:
• Static support of the arch (passive tension)
• Windlass mechanism during propulsion
• Shock absorption
Certification Exam
Final Assessment
2025/2026 Version
165 Practice Questions
Complete with Detailed Explanations & Clinical Pearls
PART 1: ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY OF THE LOWER
EXTREMITY
Questions 1-30 | Bones, Muscles, Nerves & Vessels
Question 1
How many bones are in the adult human foot?
A) 24
B) 26
C) 28
D) 30
💡 DETAILED EXPLANATION
The adult human foot contains 26 bones divided into three regions:
• Hindfoot (7 bones): Talus, calcaneus, navicular, cuboid, and 3 cuneiforms
• Midfoot (5 bones): Already counted in hindfoot classification
• Forefoot (14 bones): 5 metatarsals and 14 phalanges (2 in big toe, 3 in each lesser toe)
Total: 7 tarsal + 5 metatarsal + 14 phalanges = 26 bones
✓ CLINICAL PEARL
The foot's 26 bones work together with 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments to provide
support, balance, and mobility. Understanding this architecture is fundamental to pedorthic practice.
Question 2
, Which tarsal bone articulates with the tibia and fibula?
A) Calcaneus
B) Talus
C) Navicular
D) Cuboid
💡 DETAILED EXPLANATION
The talus is the only tarsal bone that articulates with the leg bones (tibia and fibula). It forms the
talocrural joint (ankle joint) and is critical for transmitting forces between the leg and foot.
Key articulations of the talus:
• Superior: Tibia and fibula (ankle mortise)
• Inferior: Calcaneus (subtalar joint)
• Anterior: Navicular (talonavicular joint)
The talus has no muscle attachments and relies entirely on its bony and ligamentous connections.
⚠️ CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The talus has limited blood supply, making fractures prone to avascular necrosis. This bone's position
makes it crucial for normal gait biomechanics.
Question 3
What is the primary function of the plantar fascia?
A) Dorsiflex the foot
B) Support the longitudinal arch
C) Evert the foot
D) Flex the toes
💡 DETAILED EXPLANATION
The plantar fascia (plantar aponeurosis) is a thick fibrous band that runs from the calcaneus to
the metatarsal heads. Its primary function is to support the medial longitudinal arch and assist in
load distribution during gait.
Functions include:
• Static support of the arch (passive tension)
• Windlass mechanism during propulsion
• Shock absorption
