What does the medial malleolus on the distal part of the tibia articulate with?

The medial malleolus, which is located on the distal part of the tibia, plays a critical role in the anatomy of the ankle joint. It provides a bony prominence that is significant for the stability and function of the ankle. The medial malleolus directly articulates with the talus, which is one of the major bones of the ankle. This articulation helps to form the ankle joint, allowing for necessary movements such as dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. The relationship between the medial malleolus and the talus is essential for maintaining proper alignment and function of the ankle as it bears weight and enables locomotion.

In contrast, while the fibula is located near the medial malleolus, it does not directly articulate with it, and instead, it has its own lateral malleolus. The calcaneus and the patella are not involved in the direct articulation with the medial malleolus either; the calcaneus is part of the heel structure and does not connect to the tibia, while the patella is a sesamoid bone associated with the knee joint, entirely separate from the ankle anatomy. Understanding these articulations is crucial for clarity in orthopedic practices and biomechanics.