Ankle Joint

Possible Question (Short essay): Describe the ankle joint?

The ankle joint is a synovial hinge joint, and the bones involved are the talus, fibula and tibia. The articulating surfaces involved are the trochlea of the talus, the inferior surfaces of the tibia and fibula including the medial and lateral maleolli. The movements possible at this joint are plantar flexion, and dorsiflexion. The muscles responsible for plantar flexion are: gastrocnemius, soleus, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus, tibialis posterior, peroneus brevis and longus. The muscles responsible for dorsiflexion is extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum longus, tibialis anterior and peroneus tertius.

This joint is very stable due to the presence of collateral ligaments. The medial collateral ligament (Deltoid Ligament) is made up of four parts namely: anterior and posterior tibiotalar ligaments, tibiocalcaneal ligament and tibionavicular ligament. The Lateral collateral ligament is principally made up of three parts namely: anterior and posterior talofibular ligaments, and the calcaneofibular ligament.

This joint is innervated (using Hilton’s Law) by the superficial and deep peroneal nerves, and also the tibial nerves. The blood supply is largely derived from the anterior and posterior tibial arteries and branches of the fibular artery.

Major Points: Type of joint  bones involved  articular surfaces involved  movements allowed  muscles contributing to these movements  Ligaments involved  function  Blood Supply  Innervation (Hilton’s Law).

Category: Anatomy Notes