The fibula is the slender bone on the outside (lateral side) of the lower leg. It runs parallel to the tibia, from just below the knee down to the ankle, and forms the outer part of the ankle joint. Key points:
- Location: lateral side of the lower leg, just behind the tibia near the knee and extending to the ankle.
- Relation to the tibia: positioned on the outer side and connected by the interosseous membrane, forming a syndesmotic joint with very limited mobility.
- Distal end: ends at the lateral malleolus, which is the bony bump on the outer ankle and contributes to ankle stability.
- Function: primarily serves as an attachment site for muscles and ligaments; it bears less weight than the tibia.
If you’d like, I can tailor this explanation for a specific context (e.g., medical anatomy study, clinical assessment, or a quick patient-friendly description).
