TIB JO- FIBULAE JOINTS 



65 



MUSCLES ACTING ON THE JOIST Continued. 





The Tibio-Fibular Joints are two in number, between the 

 opposing surfaces of the extremities of the tibia and fibula. The 

 fibula forms a lateral support for the ankle-joint, and is not 

 required to have any independent movement, so these joints 

 simply provide a certain amount of elasticity, and are slightly 

 .gliding. 



The Superior Tibio-Fibular Joint is formed between the small 

 oval facet on the inner surface on the head of the fibula, and 

 the facet on the posterior part of the external tuberosity of the 

 tibia. It is surrounded by a capsule and several strengthening 

 ligaments, more or less defined. 



The synovial membrane is sometimes continuous with that of 

 the knee-joint. 



The Inferior Tibio-Fibular Joint is formed between the op- 

 posing surfaces of the lower ends of the tibia and fibula; this is 

 not always a separate joint, but may be only a series of liga- 

 ments accessory to the ankle-joint. The ligaments are particu- 

 larly strong. 



The Anterior Inferior Tibio-Fibular ligament is a strong band 



