Toes, coloured X-ray. The toes are made up of phalanges bones, two for the big toe (upper left) and three for the others. The sole of the foot is made up of five metatarsal bones (lower frame). Beneath the first metatarsal at the base of the big toe are two sesamoid bones (white patches). These are small bones enclosed within a tendon that serve to protect the joint from the weight of the body.