Leg Anatomy

A set of vocabulary flashcards detailing the anatomical features, articulations, and structural characteristics of the tibia, fibula, and patella based on lecture notes.

Fibula

A long bone that stabilizes the ankle, has no part in articulation with the knee, and does not bear any weight.

Tibia

The large weight-bearing medial bone of the leg.

Patella

The largest sesamoid bone in the body, located in the tendon of the quadriceps femoris, anterior to the femur.

Fibula Head

The proximal feature of the fibula that is thicker than the distal end, has an apex and neck, and articulates with the lateral condyle of the tibia.

Fibula Shaft

A long and slender structure with $4$ borders and $4$ surfaces, including an interosseous border for membrane attachment.

Lateral malleolus

The triangular shaped distal end of the fibula that articulates on its medial surface with the lateral talus.

Malleolar fossa

A depression on the posterior medial aspect of the distal fibula.

Intercondylar eminence

A feature located between the medial and lateral tibial condyles (plateaus) on the proximal tibia.

Anterior crest

A prominent border of the tibia shaft that forms the shin.

Tibial tuberosity

An anterior feature of the tibia shaft for attachment of the patellar tendon.

Soleal line

A bony ridge on the upper posterior aspect of the tibia shaft for attachment of the soleus muscle.

Plafond

The saddle shaped inferior border of the distal tibia for articulation with the dome of the talus.

Fibular notch

A lateral depression on the distal tibia for articulation with the fibula.

Medial malleolus

A large, prominent, and palpable feature on the distal tibia.

Apex (Patella)

The inferior part of the patella associated with the ligamentum patellae.

Base (Patella)

The superior part of the patella associated with the quadriceps femoris.

Posterior surface of the Patella

An articular surface with a smaller medial facet and a large lateral facet that articulate with the femur.