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tibia vs. fibula

tibia vs. fibula: What's the difference?

The tibia and fibula are both bones of the leg that extend from knee to ankle. The tibia, also called the shinbone, is thicker and is located on the inner side of the leg, while the fibula, also called the calf bone, is thinner, is located on the outer side of the leg, and supports the tibia. The two-bone structure of the lower leg helps distribute pressure to avoid straining either bone.

tibia

[ tib-ee-uh ]
noun,
  1. the inner of the two bones of the leg, that extend from the knee to the ankle and articulate with the femur and the talus; shinbone.
  2. Zoology.
    1. a corresponding bone in a horse or other hoofed quadruped, extending from the stifle to the hock.
    2. (in insects) the fourth segment of the leg, between the femur and tarsus.

fibula

[ fib-yuh-luh ]
noun,
  1. the outer and thinner of the two bones of the human leg, extending from the knee to the ankle.
  2. a corresponding bone, often rudimentary or ankylosed with the tibia, of the leg or hind limb of an animal.
  3. a clasp or brooch, often ornamented, used by the ancient Greeks and Romans.