Radiographic Anatomy of the Tibia, Fibula, Patella, and Femur

A comprehensive vocabulary review of anatomical structures and landmarks of the tibia, fibula, patella, and femur based on lecture slides.

Lateral Tibial Condyle

The lateral proximal expansion of the tibia that articulates with the lateral femoral condyle above and the head of the fibula below.

Medial Tibial Condyle

The medial proximal expansion of the tibia that articulates with the medial condyle of the femur.

Head of Fibula

The expanded proximal extremity of the fibula that articulates with the lateral condyle of the tibia.

Tibiofibular Joint

The synovial articulation formed between the lateral tibial condyle and the head of the fibula.

Lateral Malleolus

The expanded distal projection of the fibula that forms the lateral prominence of the ankle joint.

Medial Malleolus

The prominent bony projection on the distal medial aspect of the tibia that forms the inner bulge of the ankle.

Intercondylar Eminence

The raised bony elevation on the superior articular surface of the proximal tibia, positioned between the medial and lateral articular surfaces.

Tubercles of Intercondylar Eminence

The medial and lateral bony projections (spines) crowning the intercondylar eminence on the tibial plateau.

Intercondylar Fossa (Intercondylar Notch)

The deep depression located between the medial and lateral femoral condyles on the posterior and distal femur.

Lateral Femoral Condyle

The prominent rounded prominence on the lateral aspect of the distal femur that articulates with the lateral tibial condyle.

Medial Femoral Condyle

The prominent rounded prominence on the medial aspect of the distal femur that articulates with the medial tibial condyle.

Lateral Epicondyle (Femur)

The bony prominence situated on the lateral aspect of the lateral femoral condyle, superior to the articular surface.

Medial Epicondyle (Femur)

The bony projection situated on the medial aspect of the medial femoral condyle, superior to the articular surface.

Adductor Tubercle

A small bony projection located on the superior aspect of the medial epicondyle of the distal femur.

Tibial Plateau

The smooth, flat, superior articular surfaces of the proximal tibia that support the condyles of the femur.

Tibial Tuberosity

The prominent elevation on the anterior surface of the proximal tibia below the condyles, serving as the insertion point for the patellar tendon.

Articular Surface of Patella

The smooth posterior surface of the patella that articulates with the patellar surface of the distal femur.

Fovea Capitis

A small depression or pit located near the center of the femoral head where the ligamentum teres attaches.

Femoral Head

The smooth, hemispherical proximal end of the femur that articulates with the acetabulum of the pelvis.

Femoral Neck

The constricted, pyramid-shaped segment of bone that connects the femoral head to the femoral shaft.

Greater Trochanter

The large, irregular quadrilateral projection situated on the lateral proximal femur at the junction of the neck and shaft.

Lesser Trochanter

The conical bony process located at the posteromedial junction of the femoral neck and shaft.

Intertrochanteric Crest

The prominent bony ridge visible on the posterior aspect of the femur that connects the greater trochanter to the lesser trochanter.

Intertrochanteric Line

The subtle bony ridge found on the anterior aspect of the femur extending between the greater and lesser trochanters.