Medical Terminology Ch 3 - Legs & Feet Flashcards

Femur

• Largest bones in the body, also known as thigh bones.
• The term "femoral" pertains to the femur.
• The head of the femur articulates with the acetabulum (hip socket).
• The femoral neck is the narrow area just below the femur's head.

Knees

• Features components such as patella, popliteal area, and cruciate ligaments.

Patella

• Also referred to as the knee cap.
• A bony structure that forms the anterior portion of the knee.

Popliteal

• Refers to the posterior space behind the knee.
• Contains ligaments, vessels, and muscles associated with the knee joint.

Cruciate Ligaments

• Allow for various movements of the knee.
• Includes anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments that intersect in a cross shape.

Lower Leg

• Comprises the tibia and fibula.

Tibia

• Also known as the shin bone.
• The larger, weight-bearing bone located in the front of the lower leg.

Fibula

• The smaller bone of the lower leg, situated adjacent to the tibia.

Ankles

• Joints that connect the lower leg to the foot.
• Enable necessary movements for walking and balance.

Tarsals

• Seven tarsal bones in each foot, larger than wrist bones.

Malleolus

• A rounded bony projection located on the tibia and fibula at each side of the ankle joint.
• Plural form is malleoli.

Talus

• The main ankle bone that articulates with both the tibia and fibula.

Calcaneus

• Known as the heel bone, the largest tarsal bone in the foot.

Metatarsals

• Five metatarsal bones in each foot, forming the middle part of the foot.
• Toes attach to the metatarsals.

Phalanges

• Bones of the toes; each toe has three phalanges, except for the big toe, which has two (similar to the thumb).