tibia

Examples of tibia in the following topics:

• Tibia and Fibula (The Leg)

  • The tibia and the smaller fibula bones comprise the lower leg and articulate at the knee and ankle.
  • The tibia and fibula are the two bones of the lower leg.
  • The tibia is located medially to the fibula and is much larger.
  • Distally, the tibia also widens to aid with weight bearing and it displays two key features.
  • Distally, the fibula forms the lateral malleolus, which is more prominent than the medial malleolus of the tibia.

• Muscles that Cause Movement at the Ankle

  • The ankle or talocrural joint is formed from the tibia and fibula of the lower leg and talus of the foot.
  • Attachments - Originates from the lateral surface of the tibia and attaches to the base of the big toe.
  • Attachments - Originates from the tibia and fibula and attaches to the heel via the calcaneal tendon.
  • Attachments - Originates from the tibia and fibula and attaches to the plantar surfaces of the toes.
  • Attachments – Originates from the fibula and tibia.

• Patella (The Knee)

  • The apex of the patella faces inferiorly and connects to the tibia tuberosity through the patella ligament that attaches to the anterior surface.
  • This image shows the position of the patella relative to the articulation of the femur and the tibia.

• Muscles that Cause Movement at the Knee Joint

  • When the knee is fully extended the femur rotates slightly on the tibia to lock the joint into place, allowing for efficient load bearing.
  • The patella is the attachment point for the quadriceps femoris muscle and is the attached by a ligament to the tibia.
  • Popliteus - The popliteus is located behind the knee joint and acts to “unlock” the knee by rotating the femur on the tibia allowing for the lower leg to be flexed.
  • Attachments: Originates from the posterior of the tibia and attaches to the femur.
  • Actions: Laterally rotates the femur on the tibia “unlocking” the knee joint so that flexion can occur.

• Syndesmoses

  • In the leg, the interosseous membrane extends between the tibia and the fibula, running along the crests of the bones.
  • Joints of this kind are found at several points in the human body, including the intermediate radioulnar joint, where the radius and ulna meet above the wrist, in the spine between the spinous processes of various adjacent vertebra, and above the ankle joint where the tibia and fibula converge.
  • The anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament crosses in front of the tibia and fibula bones.
  • Players of rough sports such as football or rugby have an increased risk of fracturing their fibulas and tearing the interosseous ligament between it and the tibia.

• The Appendicular Skeleton

  • Femur (2) (thigh), patella (2) (knee), tibia (2) and fibula (2) (leg)
  • These consist of the femur, patella, tibia, fibula, tarsal bones, metatarsal bones, and phalanges.
  • The tibia is located on the medial side of the leg, and the fibula is the thin bone of the lateral leg.

• Femur (The Thigh)

  • The femur articulates proximally with the acetabulum of the pelvis to form the hip joint, and distally with the tibia and patella to form the knee joint.
  • Two rounded regions, termed the medial and lateral condyles, articulate with the tibia at the most anterior projection of the patella.

• Tarsals, Metatarsals, and Phalanges (The Foot)

  • The proximal row contains the talus, which is the most superior of the tarsals and articulates with the tibia and fibula to form the ankle joint.
  • The talus is responsible for transmitting forces from the tibia to the heel and acts as an attachment point for numerous ligaments that strengthen the ankle joint.

• Shin Splint Syndrome

  • MTSS injuries are caused by repeated trauma to the connective muscle tissue surrounding the tibia.
  • Some experts believe that this pain is caused from disruption of Sharpey's fibers that connect the medial soleus fascia through the periosteum of the tibia to insert into the bone.
  • Pain associated with MTSS is usually a recurring dull ache over the distal one-third posteromedial cortex of the tibia.
  • This may include cauterization of the posteromedial ridge of the tibia, and results may not cause complete resolution but can improve the pain and function.

• Overview of the Appendicular Skeleton

  • Thigh and leg (eight bones) - The thigh and leg consist of the femur (two bones that comprise the thighs), Tibia (two bones), Patella (two bones that are the knees), and Fibula (two bones).
  • The femur, tibia, patella, and fibula are all a part of the appendicular skeleton.