What is the tibia and what is its primary function?

The tibia, also known as the shinbone, is the second largest bone in the body and is located medially in the leg. Its primary function is to bear weight, transmitting body weight from the femur to the foot.

How can I determine the side of a tibia bone?

To determine the side of a tibia, orient it so that the condyles face upward, the tibial tuberosity and anterior border face forward, the medial malleolus points medially, and the tibial plateau lies horizontally.

What are the key parts of the tibia?

The tibia consists of three main parts: Upper End (expanded with condyles and tibial tuberosity), Shaft (long and triangular with borders and surfaces), and Lower End (forms the medial malleolus and articulates with the talus and fibula).

Which muscles attach to the medial surface of the tibial shaft?

The medial surface of the tibial shaft receives insertions from three muscles: sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus. A mnemonic to remember this is 'Girl between two surgeons'.

What is the clinical significance of fractures in the tibia?

Fractures are most common at the junction of the upper two-thirds and lower one-third of the tibia due to its narrow shaft and poor blood supply. The lower third is particularly prone to delayed or non-union because it is bare of muscles and poorly vascularized.

How does ossification occur in the tibia?

Ossification of the tibia involves a primary center in the shaft (appearing in the 7th week of intrauterine life) and secondary centers: Upper End (appears at birth and fuses by age 20) and Lower End (appears by age 2 and fuses by age 18).

What structures attach to the intercondylar area of the tibia?

The intercondylar area, located between the condyles, has attachments for ligaments and menisci from anterior to posterior: anterior horn of medial meniscus, anterior cruciate ligament, anterior horn of lateral meniscus, posterior horn of lateral meniscus, posterior horn of medial meniscus, and posterior cruciate ligament.

Tibia (Shinbone) – Anatomy, Landmarks & Attachments

❓ Frequently Asked Questions