Lower limb

Femur

The only bone of the thigh and the largest, strongest bone in the body.

Function of Femur

Supports body weight and allows leg movement.

Head of Femur

Rounded ball-like top of the femur.

Function of Head of Femur

Fits into the acetabulum to form the hip joint.

Neck of Femur

Narrow region just below the head of the femur.

Function of Neck of Femur

Connects the head to the shaft; helps angle the leg.

Greater and Lesser Trochanters

Bony projections near the top of the femur.

Function of Greater and Lesser Trochanters

Attachment sites for hip muscles.

Medial and Lateral Condyles of Femur

Large rounded surfaces at the bottom (distal) end of the femur.

Function of Medial and Lateral Condyles of Femur

Articulate with tibia at the knee; bear body weight.

Medial and Lateral Epicondyles of Femur

Small bumps just above the condyles.

Function of Medial and Lateral Epicondyles of Femur

Muscle attachment points near the knee.

Intercondylar Fossa

Deep notch between the condyles on the back of the femur.

Function of Intercondylar Fossa

Holds ligaments that connect femur and tibia.

Patella

Kneecap bone embedded in a tendon.

Function of Patella

Protects the knee joint and improves leverage of thigh muscles.

Tibia

Thick, medial leg bone (shin bone).

Function of Tibia

Bears most of the body’s weight.

Medial and Lateral Condyles of Tibia

Top parts of the tibia that meet the femur.

Function of Medial and Lateral Condyles of Tibia

Support weight and form part of the knee joint.

Tibial Tuberosity

Raised area on front of tibia below the knee.

Function of Tibial Tuberosity

Patellar ligaments attach here.

Medial Malleolus

Bump on the inside (medial side) of the ankle.

Function of Medial Malleolus

Ligament attachment at the ankle joint.

Fibula

Slender, lateral bone of the lower leg.

Function of Fibula

Doesn’t bear weight but supports muscles.

Lateral Malleolus

Outer bump of the ankle (distal end of fibula).

Function of Lateral Malleolus

Holds leg and foot bones together at the ankle.