Which bone is the lateral, thinner bone of the lower leg?

Which bone is the lateral, thinner bone of the lower leg?

• A. Fibula
• B. Tibia
• C. Radius
• D. Ulna

Answer: (A)

Recognizing the bones of the lower leg by position and function. The bone on the outer, or lateral, side of the leg that is also the thinner one is the fibula. It runs parallel to the thicker tibia, which sits on the inner (medial) side and bears most of the body’s weight. Because the fibula’s main roles are providing ankle stability and serving as an attachment site for muscles, it remains slender. The radius and ulna are forearm bones, not part of the leg, so they don’t fit as the lateral lower-leg bone.

Recognizing the bones of the lower leg by position and function. The bone on the outer, or lateral, side of the leg that is also the thinner one is the fibula. It runs parallel to the thicker tibia, which sits on the inner (medial) side and bears most of the body’s weight. Because the fibula’s main roles are providing ankle stability and serving as an attachment site for muscles, it remains slender. The radius and ulna are forearm bones, not part of the leg, so they don’t fit as the lateral lower-leg bone.