Which bone is the smaller of the two bones in the lower leg and bears relatively little weight?

Which bone is the smaller of the two bones in the lower leg and bears relatively little weight?

• A. Tibia
• B. Fibula
• C. Femur
• D. Patella

Answer: (B)

In the lower leg, the tibia and fibula run parallel, with the tibia doing most of the weight bearing. The fibula is the smaller, thinner bone on the outer side and it carries relatively little body weight. Its primary roles are providing muscle attachment points and helping stabilize the ankle along with ligaments. The femur is the thigh bone, and the patella is the kneecap, so neither is the correct weight-bearing bone for the lower leg. Therefore, the smaller bone that bears little weight is the fibula.

In the lower leg, the tibia and fibula run parallel, with the tibia doing most of the weight bearing. The fibula is the smaller, thinner bone on the outer side and it carries relatively little body weight. Its primary roles are providing muscle attachment points and helping stabilize the ankle along with ligaments. The femur is the thigh bone, and the patella is the kneecap, so neither is the correct weight-bearing bone for the lower leg. Therefore, the smaller bone that bears little weight is the fibula.