The Bones of the Lower Limbs.


46. The Lower Limbs. The general structure and number of the bones of
the lower limbs bear a striking similarity to those of the upper limbs.
Thus the leg, like the arm, is arranged in three parts, the thigh,
the lower leg, and the foot. The thigh bone corresponds to the
humerus; the tibia and fibula to the ulna and radius; the ankle to the
wrist; and the metatarsus and the phalanges of the foot, to the metacarpus
and the phalanges of the hand.

The bones of the lower limbs may be thus arranged:

Thigh: Femur, or thigh bone,

Lower Leg:
Patella, or knee cap,
Tibia, or shin bone,
Fibula, or splint bone,

Foot:
7 Tarsal or ankle bones,
5 Metatarsal or instep bones,
14 Phalanges, or toes bones,

making 30 bones in all.

[Illustration: Fig. 22.--Right Femur, or Thigh Bone.]