Lecture on the Fibula
Introduction
- The focus is on the fibula, a slender long bone in the leg alongside the tibia.
- Discuss its anatomy, functions, joints, and muscle attachments.
- Fibula means 'brooch pin' in Latin; 'perone' is the Greek word meaning the same.
- Fibula should not be confused with peroneal and perianal.
Anatomy of the Fibula
- Bony parts:
- Head: Palpable, has a neck, and an apex (pointy bit).
- Shaft: Triangular and twisted.
- Lateral malleolus: The sticky-outy part forming the hinge joint for the ankle.
- Key landmarks:
- Common fibular nerve runs around the head of the fibula.
- The fibula is palpable at the lateral malleolus.
Functions of the Fibula
- Not a weight-bearing bone; the tibia bears the weight.
- Used for bone reconstruction elsewhere in the body.
- Forms the shape of the ankle joint along with the tibia and talus.
- Provides attachment sites for muscles.
Joints Involving the Fibula
- Proximal tibiofibular joint: Synovial joint allowing slight movement, bound by tough ligaments.
- Distal tibiofibular joint: Syndesmosis (fibrous joint) limiting movement between tibia and fibula.
- Interosseous membrane: Connects tibia and fibula, serving as another joint limiting movement.
- Ankle joint: Talus articulates with tibia and fibula forming a synovial joint supported by multiple ligaments.
Muscle Attachments to the Fibula
- Lateral muscles:
- Fibularis longus
- Fibularis brevis
- Fibularis tertius
- Anterior compartment muscles:
- Extensor hallucis longus
- Extensor digitorum longus
- Posterior compartment muscles:
- Soleus
- Tibialis posterior
- Flexor hallucis longus
- Flexor digitorum longus
- Other muscles:
- Biceps femoris (lateral hamstring) attaches to the head of the fibula.
- The fibula and the interosseous membrane are attachment sites for these muscles, crucial for controlling the ankle and foot.
Summary
- Covered the key points about fibula: location, function, anatomy, joints involved, and muscle attachments.
- Emphasis on the non-weight-bearing nature of the fibula and its role in muscle attachment and forming the ankle joint.
Next Lecture: Not specified.