FIBULA ANATOMY

GENERAL STRUCTURE

The fibula is a slender bone located on the lateral side of the tibia. Smaller and thinner compared to the tibia, it plays a critical role in forming your ankle joint and provides essential structural support for your leg.

Proximal Epiphysis

Where is the proximal epiphysis of the fibula?

• Located at the upper end of the bone
• Connects to your knee joint
• Includes the head of the fibula and key features

Body (Shaft)

What is the body of the fibula?

• The long, slender part of the bone
• Connects the proximal and distal epiphyses
• Characterized by four distinct borders and surfaces
• Serves as an attachment site for muscles and ligaments

Distal Epiphysis

Where is the distal epiphysis of the fibula?

• Located at the lower part of the bone
• Forms the lateral malleolus
• Connects to your ankle joint
• Articulates with the talus

PROXIMAL EPIPHYSIS OF THE FIBULA

The Proximal Epiphysis of the fibula is located at the upper end of the bone, connecting to your knee joint. This irregular and flattened structure articulates with the posterior aspect of the lateral condyle of the tibia. It includes the head of the fibula and other key features, contributing to joint stability and movement.

Head of the Fibula

What is the head of the fibula?

• Irregularly shaped with a quadrate form
• Flattened articular surface
• Essential for articulation with the tibia
• Key attachment point for ligaments stabilizing your lower leg

Articular Facet

What is the articular facet of the fibular head?

• Located on the superior surface of the fibular head
• Connects with the lateral condyle of the tibia
• Forms the superior tibiofibular joint
• Important for stability and smooth movement of your lower leg

Apex of the Fibula's Head (Styloid Process)

What is the apex of the fibula's head?

• Prominent bony projection
• Anchor point for:
  • Biceps femoris tendon
  • Fibular collateral ligament
• Essential for your knee and leg stability

Neck of the Fibula

What is the neck of the fibula?

• Narrow, slender region below the head
• Passageway for the common peroneal nerve
• Important for your lower leg function

DISTAL EPIPHYSIS OF THE FIBULA

The Distal Epiphysis of the fibula is located at the lower part of the bone, forming its lower end. It connects to your ankle joint, articulates with the talus, and is essential for maintaining the stability of your ankle joint.

Lateral Malleolus

What is the lateral malleolus?

• Lower end of the fibula
• Pyramidal shape, slightly flattened from side to side
• Forms the outer part of your ankle joint
• Provides lateral stability to your ankle
• Important attachment point for ligaments

Articular Facet of the Lateral Malleolus

What is the articular facet of the lateral malleolus?

• Smooth, triangular surface located on the lateral malleolus
• Convex from top to bottom
• Articulates with the talus
• Allows smooth movement and stability of your ankle joint

Malleolar Fossa

What is the malleolar fossa?

• Rough depression behind and distal to the articular surface of the lateral malleolus
• Attachment site for a ligament
• Essential for stabilizing your ankle

Malleolar Groove

What is the malleolar groove?

• Shallow vertical groove on the posterior border of the lateral malleolus
• Pathway for tendons
• Facilitates movement of muscles controlling your foot and ankle

BODY (SHAFT) OF THE FIBULA

The body, or shaft, of the fibula is the long, slender part of the bone that connects the proximal and distal epiphyses. It is the largest section of the fibula, characterized by four distinct borders and surfaces. This structure serves as an attachment site for muscles and ligaments, playing a vital role in stabilizing your lower leg.

Lateral Surface

What is the lateral surface of the fibula?

• Lies between the anterior and posterior borders
• Provides attachment points for muscles involved in your foot and ankle movements

Anterior Border

What is the anterior border of the fibula?

• Begins near the head of the fibula
• Runs down the body to the distal end
• Divides the surfaces of the fibula
• Provides attachment sites for muscles

Medial Surface

What is the medial surface of the fibula?

• Area bordered by the anterior and medial borders
• Attachment site for muscles
• Contributes to your leg and foot movements

Anteromedial Surface

What is the anteromedial surface of the fibula?

• Narrow region between the anterior and medial borders
• Offers additional space for muscle attachment

Interosseous Crest (Medial Border)

What is the interosseous crest of the fibula?

• Runs along the medial aspect of the bone
• Attachment site for the interosseous membrane
• Connects the fibula to the tibia
• Aids in your lower leg stability

Posteromedial Surface

What is the posteromedial surface of the fibula?

• Located between the medial and posterior borders
• Important for muscle attachment
• Helps define the overall structure of the fibula

Medial Border

What is the medial border of the fibula?

• Also referred to as the interosseous crest
• Runs along the length of the fibula
• Provides an attachment site for the interosseous membrane
• Connects the tibia and fibula

Posterior Surface

What is the posterior surface of the fibula?

• Located between the posteromedial and posterolateral borders
• Features an oblique line dividing it
• Serves as the origin point for several muscles involved in your leg and foot movements

Posterior Border

What is the posterior border of the fibula?

• Rounded shape
• Merges at its lower end with the groove on the lateral malleolus
• Contributes to your ankle stability and function