The anatomy of humane bodies epitomized wherein all parts of man's body, with their actions and uses, are succinctly described, according to the newest doctrine of the most accurate and learned modern anatomists / by a Fellow of the College of Physicians, London.

CHAP. XXII.

Of the Bones of the Shank.

THE Shank (or Leg strictly so called) is composed of two Bones. The greater is called Tibia, the lesser Fibula. These are slightly articulated into one another near each end; but in their middle they recede one from the other, yet so as they are tied together by a strong Liga∣ment that comes between them.

The Tibia (commonly called Focile majus) is partly triangular,* 1.1 by its sharp edge before making what we call the Shin. It has an appendix at each end. That above is bigger, and in its upper part hath one Process, which is received by the Sinus of the Thigh-bone; and two longish Cavi∣ties for the receiving of the two Prominences of the Thigh-bone, (so that the articulation is by Ginglymus) as was said in the foregoing Chap∣ter. About the brims of these Sinus there is join∣ed by Ligaments a moveable Cartilage, soft, slip∣pery, and bedewed with an unctuous humour, called Cartilago lunata, the Moon-like Cartilage. It has also a little Head behind (below the fore∣said appendix) which enters into the Sinus of the upper appendix of the Fibula. Its lower appen∣dix is less than the upper, jetting out with a no∣table Process toward the inside of the Foot, ma∣king the Malleolus internus or inner Ankle. It has two Cavities; one less in its side, by which it re∣ceives the Fibula; another greater and lower, di∣vided as it were into two by a small Protuberance

in the middle, and lined with a Cartilage, re∣ceiving the convex head of the Talus that lies un∣der it; as the said Protuberance is received by the shallow Sinus in the convex head of the Talus: the one being articulated into the other by Gin∣glymus, so that the Foot moves upwards and downwards upon this joint.

The lesser and outer Bone of the Leg is called Fibula (or Focile minus;)* 1.2 it is as long as the for∣mer, but much slenderer. This has also an ap∣pendix at each end: the upper of which reaches not so high as the Knee, nor is it jointed to the Thigh-bone; but in its inner side has a shallow Cavity which receives the little hinder (or late∣ral) Head of the Tibia, that is seated under its upper appendix which is jointed with the Thigh-bone. Below, the Fibula is received by the Sinus of the Tibia, and extends its appendix with its process to the side of the Talus, making the Mal∣leolus externus or outer Ankle, which is lower than the inner.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Tibia.
• * 1.2

  Fibula.