ankle anatomy
Introduction
Ankle joint acts like a hinge. But far more than a simple hinge joint. The ankle is actually made up of several important structures. The unique design of the ankle joint makes it very stable. This joint must be stabilized to withstand 1.5 times your weight when you are running and up to eight times your weight when you run.
ankle anatomy
Normal function of the foot needed to walk with a gait smooth and almost easy. Muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the ankle joint work together to encourage the body. Conditions that disrupt the normal way the ankle works can make it difficult to do your activities without pain or problems.
ankle anatomy
This guide will help you understand
what makes the ankle
how the ankle works
Important Structures
Important structures of the ankle can be divided into several categories. This includes
bones and joints
ligaments and tendons
muscle
strand
blood vessel
ankle anatomy
The top of the foot known as the dorsal surface. Sole of the foot is plantar surface.
Bones and Joints
Ankle joint is formed by the connection of three bones. Ankle bone called the talus. The top of the talus fits in the socket formed by the lower end of the tibia (shin) and fibula (smaller lower leg bone). The bottom of the talus sits on heelbone, called the calcaneus.
ankle anatomy
Works like a hinge on the talus in a socket to allow your feet to move upward (dorsiflexion) and down (plantarflexion).
Woodworkers and craftsmen who are familiar with the design of the ankle joint. They use the same construction, called a mortise and thorns, to create a stable structure. They routinely use it to create a strong and sturdy items, like furniture and buildings.
ankle anatomy
In the joints, bones covered with smooth material called articular cartilage. articular cartilage is the material that allows bones to move smoothly against each other at the joints of the body.
ankle anatomy
Cartilage layer is about a quarter of inch thick joints that carry most weight, such as ankles, hips, or knees. It is soft enough to allow for shock absorption but strong enough for a lifetime, provided it does not hurt.
Ligaments and Tendons
Ligaments are soft tissue attached to bones. Ligaments are very similar to the tendon. The difference is that tendons attach muscle to bone. Both structures are made of tiny fibers of a material called collagen. Collagen fibers are bundled together to form a rope-like structure. Ligaments and tendons come in various sizes and rope like, which are made of smaller fibers. The thickness of the ligament or tendon to determine its strength.
ankle anatomy
Ligaments on both sides of the ankle joint help hold the bones together. Three ligaments forming the lateral ligament complex ankle on the side farthest from the other ankle. (Lateral means further away from the center of the body.) These include the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and posterior talofibular ligaments (PTFL). A thick ligament, called the deltoid ligament, supports the medial ankle (the side closest to your other ankle.)
Ligaments also support the lower end of which the legs form a hinge for the ankle. The series of ligaments supports the ankle syndesmosis, the part of the ankle where the bottom of the fibula meets the tibia. Three major ligaments that support this field. Ligament crossing just above the front ankle and connects the tibia to the fibula is called the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL). The posterior fibular ligaments attach at the back of the tibia and fibula. These include the posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament ligament (PITFL) and transverse ligaments. Interosseous ligament lies between the tibia and fibula. (Interosseous means between bones.) Interosseous ligament is a long sheet of connective tissue that connects the entire length of the tibia and fibula, from knee to ankle.
Ligaments surrounding the ankle joint help form part of the joint capsule. A joint capsule is a watertight sac that forms around all joints. It is composed of ligaments around the joints and soft tissues between the ligaments that fill gaps and form pockets.
Ankle joint is also supported by a nearby tendon. Large tendon Achilles tendon is the most important for walking, running, and jumping. It is attached to the calf muscles to the calcaneus (heelbone) and allows us to improve on our toes. Posterior tibial tendon attached to one of the smaller muscles of the calf to the bottom of the foot. This tendon helps support the arch and allows us to change into the foot. Anterior tibial tendon allows us to raise the foot. Two tendons run behind the outer bump of the ankle (lateral malleolus). The two tendons, called peroneals, helped turn the foot down and out.
Muscle
Part of ankle motion caused by the stronger muscles in the leg by the ankle tendons and connect in the foot. Contraction of the muscles in the legs is the main way that we move our ankles when we walk, run, and jump.
The main leg muscles have been discussed previously in the ligaments and tendons. The muscles and their actions are also listed here.
The peroneals (peroneus longus and peroneus brevis) at the outer edge of the ankle and ankle bend down and out.
The calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) connect to the calcaneus by the Achilles tendon. When the calf muscles tighten, they bend the ankle down.
Posterior tibial muscle arch support and help turn the foot inward.
The tibialis anterior pull leg upwards.
Strand
Nerve supply of the ankle is from nerves that pass through the ankle on their way to the foot. Tibial nerve runs behind the medial malleolus. Another nerve crosses in front of the ankle on the way to the top of the foot. There are also nerves that pass along the outer edge of the ankle. The nerves on the edge of the front and outer ankle control the muscles in this area, and they give sensation to the upper and outer edge of the foot.
Blood vessel
The ankle gets blood from nearby arteries that pass through the ankle on their way to the foot. The dorsalis pedis walk in front of his feet on the foot. (You can feel your pulse where this artery runs in the middle of the top of the foot.) Another major artery, called the posterior tibial artery, runs behind the medial malleolus. Sending small blood vessels to the inside edge of the ankle joint. Other less important arteries entering the foot from other directions also supply blood to the ankle.