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Anatomy of the femur

  • May 28
  • 4 min read

The femur is the longest, strongest, and most resilient bone in the human body. Located in the thigh, it connects the pelvis to the knee, playing a vital role in mobility, stability, and weight-bearing.


Main parts of the femur


Proximal epiphysis

It includes structures such as:


  • Femoral head

  • Femoral neck

  • Greater trochanter

  • Lesser trochanter


The femoral head articulates with the acetabulum of the pelvis forming the hip joint.


Femoral diaphysis

It is the long body of the bone and provides structural support.


Distal epiphysis

It participates in knee formation through:


  • Medial condyle

  • Lateral condyle

  • Femoral trochlea


Clinical significance


The femur is a common site of:


  • Hip fractures

  • Stepophyseal fractures

  • High-energy trauma

  • Complex orthopedic injuries


Anatomy of the tibia


The tibia is the main supporting bone of the leg and transmits much of the body's weight from the knee to the ankle.


It is located on the medial side of the leg, flanked laterally by the fibula.


Main parts of the tibia

Proximal epiphysis


Includes:


  • Medial condyle

  • Lateral condyle

  • Tibial plateau

  • Tibial tuberosity


This region is involved in the articulation of the knee.


Tibial diaphysis

It has a large subcutaneous surface, making it vulnerable to direct trauma.


Distal epiphysis

It forms part of the ankle joint through the medial malleolus.


Clinical significance


The tibia is one of the bones most frequently fractured due to:


  • Sports accidents

  • Falls

  • Motor vehicle trauma


Anatomy of the humerus


The humerus is the long bone of the arm that connects the shoulder to the elbow.


It participates in numerous movements of the upper limb thanks to its joints and areas of muscle attachment.


Main parts of the humerus


Proximal epiphysis


Contains:


  • Humeral head

  • Greater tubercle

  • Lesser tubercle

  • Anatomical neck


The humeral head articulates with the scapula forming the shoulder.


Diaphysis


It is the central region of the bone and contains important muscle insertions.


Distal epiphysis


It forms part of the elbow joint by means of:


  • Trochlea

  • Chapter

  • Epicondyles


Clinical significance


Humerus fractures are common in:


  • Older adults

  • Sports injuries

  • Falls

  • High-energy injuries


Anatomy of the pelvis


The pelvis is a complex bony structure that connects the spine to the lower limbs.


Its functions include:


  • Body support

  • Protection of internal organs

  • Load transfer

  • Locomotor stability


Components of the pelvis


It consists of:


  • Ilium

  • Ischium

  • Pubis

  • Sacrum


These structures form the pelvic ring.


Acetabulum


It is the cavity where the femoral head articulates to form the hip.


Clinical significance


Pelvic injuries may be associated with:


  • Severe trauma

  • Internal bleeding

  • Complex fractures

  • Hemodynamic instability


Anatomy of the spine


The spine is the structural axis of the human body and protects the spinal cord.


It is made up of vertebrae organized into different regions.


Column regions


Cervical spine

Composed of 7 cervical vertebrae.


Thoracic spine

Composed of 12 thoracic vertebrae.


Lumbar spine

Composed of 5 lumbar vertebrae.


Sacrum and coccyx

Lower regions fused.


Main functions


  • Body support

  • Neurological protection

  • Mobility

  • Load distribution


Importancia clínica


Spinal pathologies include:


  • Herniated discs

  • Vertebral fractures

  • Scoliosis

  • Spinal stenosis


Anatomy of the radius and ulna


The radius and ulna are the bones of the forearm.


They work together to allow complex movements of the hand and wrist.


Radio

It is located laterally in the anatomical position.


It is primarily involved in:

  • Pronation and supination movements

  • Wrist articulation


Ulna

It is located medially and forms a large part of the elbow joint.


Important joints


  • Proximal radioulnar joint

  • Distal radioulnar joint

  • Wrist

  • Elbow


Clinical significance

Distal radius fractures are some of the most common injuries in traumatology.


Anatomy of the clavicle


The clavicle is a long, S-shaped bone that connects the sternum to the scapula.


Its main function is to stabilize the shoulder and allow movement of the upper limb.


Main parts

  • Sternal end

  • Clavicular body

  • Acromial end


Functions

  • Force transmission

  • Neurovascular protection

  • Shoulder support


Clinical significance

Clavicle fractures are common in:


  • Contact sports

  • Falls

  • Bicycle accidents


Anatomy of the knee


The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the human body.


It allows:


  • Flexion

  • Extension

  • Stability during gait


Bone components

  • Femur

  • Tibia

  • Patella


Important structures


Menisci

They act as joint shock absorbers.


Ligaments

These include:


  • Anterior cruciate ligament

  • Posterior cruciate ligament

  • Collateral ligaments


Clinical significance

The most common injuries include:


  • Ligament tears

  • Meniscal tears

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Periarticular fractures


Shoulder Anatomy


The shoulder is the joint with the greatest range of motion in the human body.


It is composed of several structures that work together.


Main components

  • Humerus

  • Scapula

  • Clavicle


Joints

  • Glenohumeral

  • Acromioclavicular

  • Esternoclavicular


Rotator cuff

Key muscle group for:


  • Stability

  • Mobility

  • Arm rotation


Clinical significance

Common conditions include:


  • Dislocations

  • Tendonitis

  • Rotator cuff tears

  • Joint instability


Ankle Anatomy


The ankle is a joint that connects the leg to the foot and supports much of the body weight during walking.


Bone components

  • Tibia

  • Fibula

  • Tallus


Stabilizing structures

They include multiple ligaments:


  • Deltoid ligament

  • Lateral ligaments

  • Tibiofibular syndesmosis


Functions

  • Stability

  • Mobility

  • Impact absorption


Clinical significance


The most common injuries include:


  • Sprains

  • Ankle fractures

  • Ligament injuries

  • Chronic ankle instability


 
 
 

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