What is the weight-bearing bone of the lower leg?

The weight-bearing bone of the lower leg is the tibia. This bone plays a critical role in supporting body weight during activities such as walking, running, and standing. The tibia, commonly referred to as the shinbone, is the larger and stronger of the two bones in the lower leg, the other being the fibula. It connects the knee to the ankle and is integral in forming the knee joint with the femur and the ankle joint with the talus.

In terms of biomechanics, the tibia bears the majority of the load and forces that are transmitted through the leg during movement. This makes it essential for stability and mobility. The fibula serves primarily as a support structure and does not bear significant weight, while the patella is a sesamoid bone that aids in knee extension but is not directly involved in weight-bearing. The femur is part of the upper leg and connects to the hip, playing a role in weight-bearing, but it does not pertain specifically to the lower leg.