Lower Limb Osteology
Explore lower limb osteology by region: the hip bone, femur and patella, tibia and fibula, and the bones of the foot. Each section of this free anatomy lab uses labelled images to help medical students learn the bones, their landmarks and their joints.
Practice Osteology anatomy questions
120 exam-style anatomy MCQs with explanations, matched to this lab. Test what you just studied.
Osteology Anatomy MCQs: mixed practice questions
Try 4 sample questions drawn from across Osteology. Tap an answer to check it.
The three cuneiform bones contribute to the:
From: Bones of the FootCorrect answer: E. The three cuneiforms participate in the medial longitudinal and proximal transverse arches of the foot.The fovea capitis is located on the:
From: FemurCorrect answer: E. The fovea capitis is a small depression on the femoral head for attachment of the ligament of the head of the femur.The greater sciatic notch is located:
From: Pelvis & Hip BoneCorrect answer: D. The greater sciatic notch is a posterior indentation of the hip bone, immediately posterior to the acetabulum.A fracture of the fibular neck may produce foot drop because of injury to the:
From: Tibia & FibulaCorrect answer: D. The common fibular nerve is vulnerable around the fibular neck; its deep branch supplies dorsiflexors.
What Is the Skeleton of the Lower Limb?
Lower limb osteology is the study of the bones that support body weight and make walking, running and jumping possible. The skeleton of the lower limb includes the hip bone, the femur, the patella, the tibia and fibula, and the bones of the foot. To learn these bones in a clear order, anatomists work from the top of the limb to the bottom, studying each bone’s shape, landmarks, muscle attachments and joints.
The Four Bone Groups in This Lab
Our free anatomy lab covers the lower limb bones in four sections. Open each page to study the bones with labelled images:
- Introduction + Hip: an introduction to the lower limb and the hip bone, which joins the trunk to the leg.
- Femur + Patella: the thigh bone and the kneecap.
- Tibia + Fibula: the two bones of the leg.
- Foot: the tarsal, metatarsal and phalangeal bones.
Hip Bone and Femur: The Proximal Bones
The hip bone is formed by three bones, the ilium, ischium and pubis, which fuse at the acetabulum, the socket of the hip joint. The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the body. Its head fits into the acetabulum to form the hip joint, a ball-and-socket joint, and its lower end meets the tibia at the knee. The patella is the largest sesamoid bone and sits in the tendon of the quadriceps muscle at the front of the knee.
Tibia, Fibula and Foot Bones
The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the leg and lies on the medial side. The fibula lies on the lateral side. It carries little weight but gives attachment to muscles and helps stabilise the ankle. The foot has three groups of bones: seven tarsal bones, five metatarsals and the phalanges of the toes. Together they form the arches of the foot, which absorb shock and help us push off when we walk.
How to Study Lower Limb Osteology
- Start from the top of the limb, with the hip bone, then move down to the femur, leg and foot.
- For every bone, learn four things: its main parts, its landmarks, the muscles that attach to it, and the joints it forms.
- Test yourself. Practise with our lower limb anatomy flashcards, then check your knowledge with the Questions Bank.
Once the bones are clear, continue with the lower limb muscles to see how they attach and move the skeleton. For a full reference list of the bones of the body, see this list of bones of the human skeleton. More practical sessions are available in our medical labs.
Why Do Medical Students Need to Know These Bones?
Bone anatomy is a favourite in practical exams and the foundation of clinical work. Fractures of the femoral neck are common in older adults, and an injury near the head of the fibula can damage the nerve that runs around it. Knowing the bones also helps you read an X-ray and understand orthopedic procedures. To see how these injuries are taught clinically, try our orthopedics flashcards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the lower limb bones? They are the hip bone, femur, patella, tibia, fibula, and the tarsal, metatarsal and phalangeal bones of the foot.
What is the longest bone in the body? The femur.
How many tarsal bones are there? Seven.
What is the difference between the tibia and the fibula? The tibia is the larger, medial bone that bears most of the body weight. The fibula is the thinner, lateral bone that mainly gives muscle attachment and ankle stability.
How do I memorise the bones of the lower limb? Study them from the hip downwards, learn each bone’s landmarks and muscle attachments, and review them with flashcards in short daily sessions.
Is this anatomy lab free? Yes. All the pages in our anatomy lab are free for medical students.