

TIBIA. 



T45 



FIG. 2 41. 



In the head at the close of the first year ; in the great tro- 

 chanter during the third and fourth year, and in the lesser 

 trochanter about the thirteenth or fourteenth year. The 

 different processes are united about the twentieth year. 

 The femur is articulated with the acetabulum, tibia and 



patella. 



SECTIO N II. 



BONES OF THE LEG. 



1. Tibia. 2. Fibula. 3. Patella. 



The tibia is situated on the inner and anterior part of 

 the leg, and is next to the femur in length. Its form is 

 triangular, and it consists of a body and 

 two extremities. 



The body presents three edges one an- 

 terior, called the crest or shin, which is 

 superficial and sharp ; a second internal 

 and round; and a third external for the 

 attachment of the interosseous ligament. 

 It also presents three surfaces one internal 

 and superficial ; a second external and con- 

 cave; and a third posterior, covered by mus- 

 cles. At the upper part of the body is 

 the foramen for the nutritious artery. 



The superior extremity of the tibia is large 

 and somewhat oval in shape. Its femoral 

 surface is smooth and covered with cartilage 

 for articulation. It is divided by a spine 

 into an external and internal surface. The 

 former articulates with the external con- 

 dyle, and is circular and superficial; the 

 latter with the internal condyle, and is oval and deeper 

 The spine is elevated nearer the posterior than the 



FIG. 241 represents an anterior view of the Tibia and Fibula, a Shaft of 

 the tibia. 6 Inner tuberosity. c Outer tuberosity. d Spinous process, e 

 Tubercle of tibia. / Inner surface of the shaft, g Inferior end of the tibia. 

 h Internal malleolus. i Shaft of the fibula, j Superior extremity of the 

 fibula, k External malleolus. 



