Ankle joint

The joint connecting the foot to the leg, allowing for movement and weight-bearing actions.

The ankle joint is a complex structure formed by the meeting of the tibia, fibula, and talus bones. This joint is classified as a hinge joint, permitting primarily dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, which are essential for walking, running, and modifying stance. The ankle joint is surrounded by a capsule and multiple ligaments that provide stability during movement.

Terminologia Anatomica

articulatio talocruralis

System

Skeletal system

Function

The primary function of the ankle joint is to allow for a range of movements essential for locomotion. Dorsiflexion, the action of raising the foot upwards, enables individuals to clear the ground while walking or running. Conversely, plantarflexion allows the foot to point downwards, which is pivotal for pushing off the ground during these activities. Beyond these movements, the ankle joint plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and stability, especially when navigating uneven surfaces. The coordinated function of the ankle with the muscles of the lower leg facilitates activities such as jumping, bending, and turning, while absorbing shock and distributing weight across the foot and lower leg.

Location

Located at the distal end of the lower leg, the ankle joint sits between the tibia and fibula bones of the leg and the talus bone of the foot. It is positioned just above the heel and provides a critical linkage between the leg and foot. This joint is encapsulated within a synovial membrane, which secretes synovial fluid to lubricate and nourish the joint. The ankle joint's anatomical architecture is designed to accommodate movements while providing necessary support during standing and dynamic activities. Its location is crucial for weight transfer between the body and the ground, making it a key component in maintaining overall posture and mobility.

Did You Know?

The ankle joint can withstand forces several times greater than body weight during activities such as running.
Ankles contain about 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
The stability of the ankle joint decreases during activities on uneven surfaces, increasing the risk of sprains.