APPENDICULAR SKELETON
LOWER LIMBS

There are 30 bones in each hind limb distributed as follows:
- thigh: femur (1)
- knee: patella (1)
- leg: tibia (1) and fibula (1)
- ankle: tarsals (7)
- foot: metatarsals (5)
- digits: phalanges (14)

Although the basic plan of the leg skeleton is very similar to that of the arm, there are important differences related to function. The main functions of the leg are weight bearing and propulsion of the body. Its bones are generally longer and stronger than those of the arm, and there is less flexibility in most of the joints. Consider these adaptations as you study the bones.