The human foot — with 36 bones, dozens of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and millions of nerve endings — takes the body's pounding from walking, running, or any other physical activity. Because of their weight-bearing duties, the bones of the foot are larger and stronger than those of the hand. Seven rounded bones lie below the ankle joint and form the instep, and 14 bones are in the toes (two in the big toe and three in the others). Five bones form an arch normally touching the ground only at the heel and ball of the foot.