tibia
Definition
The tibia is the larger of the two bones in the lower leg. It is also called the shinbone.
The tibia is located on the medial side of the leg, and it runs from the knee to the ankle. It is the main weight-bearing bone in the leg, and it helps to stabilise the knee joint.
The tibia is a long bone, and it is about 20 centimetres long in adults. It is made up of three parts: the proximal end, the shaft, and the distal end.
The proximal end of the tibia articulates with the femur (thighbone) to form the knee joint. The shaft of the tibia is curved slightly, and it has two ridges that help to attach muscles and ligaments. The distal end of the tibia articulates with the fibula (smaller bone in the lower leg) and the talus (ankle bone) to form the ankle joint.
The tibia is a strong and important bone. It is essential for walking, running, and jumping.
How can the word be used?
The tibia is connected to the fibula at the knee joint.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
the inner and usually larger of the two bones of the vertebrate hind or lower limb between the knee and ankle.
Adjective:
relating to the tibia.
Etymology
The word "tibia" comes from the Latin word "tībia" (“shin bone, leg”).
The first recorded use of the word "tibia" in English was in the 1540s.
The word "tibia" is a Latin word, and it is not related to any other words in English.
Question
Where in your body can you find the tibia bone?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the structure and function of the tibia bone in the human body. Describe its role in supporting body weight and its interaction with other bones and muscles. Provide an example of an activity that heavily relies on the tibia's function.
Answer:
The tibia, commonly known as the shinbone, is a vital component of the human skeletal system. It is the larger and stronger of the two bones in the lower leg. The tibia's primary function is to support body weight and facilitate movement by serving as a major load-bearing bone.
The upper part of the tibia connects to the femur, forming the knee joint, while its lower end articulates with the talus bone in the ankle joint. This arrangement allows the tibia to play a pivotal role in weight distribution and stability during walking, running, and other weight-bearing activities.
The tibia interacts closely with muscles such as the quadriceps and calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus), which help control knee and ankle movement. When a person engages in activities like jumping, the tibia bears the impact of landing and distributes the resulting forces through the leg, ensuring safe and efficient movement.
For instance, during basketball, the tibia is heavily involved in actions like jumping to make a shot or landing after a rebound. The tibia's robust structure and its interplay with muscles and joints enable athletes to perform these dynamic movements while minimizing the risk of injury.