Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

7. The Skeletal System

Bone of the Lower Limb

Anatomy & Physiology

7. The Skeletal System

Bone of the Lower Limb

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Problem 18

Textbook Question

The bones of the leg are the medial_and the lateral. The sesamoid bone that articulates with the distal femur is the____.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the anatomy of the leg. The leg consists of two primary bones in the lower limb: one located medially (toward the midline of the body) and the other laterally (away from the midline). These bones are part of the skeletal system and play a role in movement and support.

Step 2: Identify the medial bone of the leg. The medial bone is the tibia, which is larger and bears most of the weight. It is located on the inner side of the leg.

Step 3: Identify the lateral bone of the leg. The lateral bone is the fibula, which is thinner and located on the outer side of the leg. It provides attachment points for muscles but does not bear significant weight.

Step 4: Recognize the sesamoid bone that articulates with the distal femur. A sesamoid bone is a small, round bone embedded within a tendon. In this case, the sesamoid bone is the patella, commonly known as the kneecap, which articulates with the distal femur and aids in knee movement.

Step 5: Combine the anatomical terms to complete the blanks in the problem. The medial bone is the tibia, the lateral bone is the fibula, and the sesamoid bone that articulates with the distal femur is the patella.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Medial and Lateral Bones of the Leg

In the context of the leg, the medial bone refers to the tibia, which is the larger and stronger bone located on the inner side of the leg. The lateral bone is the fibula, which is thinner and runs parallel to the tibia on the outer side. Understanding the anatomical positions of these bones is crucial for identifying their roles in leg movement and stability.

Sesamoid Bones

Sesamoid bones are small, round bones that are embedded within tendons, typically found in locations where a tendon passes over a joint. The patella, or kneecap, is the most well-known sesamoid bone, but in this context, the sesamoid bone that articulates with the distal femur is likely the fabella. These bones help to protect tendons and improve their mechanical function.

Articulation in the Skeletal System

Articulation refers to the connection between two bones, forming a joint that allows for movement and flexibility. In the case of the distal femur, it articulates with the tibia and the patella at the knee joint. Understanding how these articulations function is essential for comprehending the biomechanics of the leg and the overall movement of the body.