The structure of the human ankle is quite complex, since it is largely thanks to this element of the musculoskeletal system that we can maintain an upright position and move normally. The name itself is already directly related to the purpose of the organ - it binds the foot, lower leg. If the structure of the ankle is not broken, there were no injuries, the body developed normally, a person can lead a mobile life. When functioning is impaired, this is often possible only with significant restrictions, or a person is completely deprived of the ability to move without external help.
Joint: main components
Modern anatomy offers the allocation of a complex structure of the structure of the ankle ligaments. Currently, it is customary to talk about the front, back, outer and inner parts. The front goes into the foot (back side), but the back - these are the places where the tendons are located. If, studying the structure of the ankle, the photo of this area is examined in detail, the ankle will surely attract attention. Anatomy speaks of the existence of four ankles in humans: the lateral, lateral form the outer part of the ankle, and the medial, middle - inside it.
StructuralFeatures
As you know from anatomy, the structure of the muscles of the ankle is quite complex - there are many small elements, thanks to which a person gets the opportunity to move. In addition to muscles, there are ligaments, bone elements, cartilage tissue. Thanks to this joint, the connection of the tibia, tibia, talus, and calcaneus is ensured. The structure of the bones of the ankle is largely due to the characteristics of the elements with which they are in contact. So, the tibia ends with a thickened part, this allows them to cover the talus. This is what forms that part of the leg, which is called the ankle.
If you study the structure of the human ankle, ligaments and bones of this element from the photo, it will be seen that the element is convex from one edge, and the opposite effect from the other - a hollow is formed. The complex of bone fibers is protected from external harmful factors by cartilage tissue - elastic, smooth. This structure of the bones of the human ankle helps to minimize friction and reduce the load that accompanies movement. With shocks, shocks, cartilage becomes a natural shock absorber, due to which the bones remain he althy longer, and the bone tissue is minimally abraded.
Structure of the human ankle
The ankle in the ankle area is a rather complex structure formed by several blocks. The outer one is created by the fibula (its distal edge) adjacent to two protruding elements. From the inside, the ankle block is formed by the anterior, posterior tubercles, a ligament in the formdelta, fixed from the inside of the ankle.
Considering the structure of the human ankle, special attention is paid to the distal epiphysis. This element is located where the tubular bone ends with an extension. The block is divided into anterior and posterior parts, the former being much smaller than the latter. Finally, the distal surface is the fourth major block that makes up the ankle. The structure of the human ankle is largely due to the peculiarities of the tibia - its location and shape. In particular, the distal surface, curved in an arcuate manner, is also formed by it, equipped with a process from the inside. There are also two growths looking in different directions.
Ankle: Surface
The structure of the ankle involves the allocation of two surfaces of the ankle: medial, lateral. The second, in turn, is also formed by two elements: external, internal. Behind you can see a small depression where short, long muscle fibers are fixed, stretching to the fibula. The surface from the outside is fascia, tendons on the sides. The structure of the ankle is quite complex, it includes many elements, including hyaline cartilage, fixed just on the surface of the ankle from the inside. There are also points for attaching the talus, designed to provide a connection between the bones of the lower leg and the calcaneus.
Ligaments and vessels
The structure of the ankle is also a rather complex system of ligaments that hold the bones in an anatomically correct position and allowfix them. In addition, it is thanks to these elements that it is possible to ensure the reliability of the structure of the human skeleton, including the ankle - the bones remain in place even with increased loads. Ligaments are extremely important for the normal functioning of the body, and they are formed by bundles of special fibrous tissue. Human ligaments are elastic, so you can bend, unbend limbs, moving with different amplitudes.
No less significant element of the structure of the ankle are the vessels, without which the limbs simply could not exist. Through them, blood is supplied to the tissues, providing nutrition, bringing useful trace elements and oxygen. Equally significant are the nerve fibers, which are quite dense in the ankle area, literally braiding the organ with a high-density mesh. Together, these elements are responsible for coordinated movements. But the muscles in the general case are not considered part of the ankle, at the same time, movement without such tissue would be impossible, and this is important to consider.
Bundles: structural features
There are several types of ligaments necessary for the normal functioning of the ankle. One of the important parts is the fibers, thanks to which the tibia bones are interconnected. This block is immobile and is formed by several groups of ligaments. In particular, there are interosseous, responsible for holding all the tibia bones, as well as the posterior lower, continuing it. From below, there is a ligament in front - anatomically correct, it is located between the ankle on the outside and the tibia. Thanks to this ligament, the foot can rotate, it is alsorestricts this movement. Finally, the fibers of the connection of the tibia include a block of transverse ligaments. Their main task is to provide the ability to rotate the foot inward. There is also a restriction of this movement. These fibers are located under the ligament from below in front.
Another important group of connective fibers that form the ankle is the outer lateral. This includes delta-shaped tissues located on the inner surface of the organ. In fact, the ligaments provide a connection between the talus, calcaneus, and the rook-shaped bone.
Muscular tissue: features
The ankle is in contact with several muscle groups responsible for a fairly wide range of functions. In particular, in order for the joints to flex, activation of the plantar, triceps, and special flexors that provide the work of the fingers, and the tibial muscle from behind is necessary. But extension is already a slightly different function, and for its implementation it is necessary to use the extensor fibers and the tibialis maximus muscle located in front. To take the joint to the side, the tibial, short muscle tissue is activated. For adduction, it is necessary to simultaneously engage the muscle in the back and the tibia in front.
Rotational movements are possible due to the activation of the tibia, extensor and thumb muscles. If you need a similar movement, but in the opposite direction (inward), you have to use muscle tissues: extensor (on the fingers), small long,short tibia. To move the toes, the body activates the flexors, extensors, and short muscle tissue found on the sole and dorsum of the foot. The arch of the foot is reinforced with lateral, medial muscle fibers, middle.
Joint: features of functioning
Due to the specific structure of the ankle allows the foot to be as mobile as possible. This is precisely its main functional load. Within the framework of anatomy, it is customary to single out two main aspects of the activity of this block of tissues: tightness and the production of a component necessary for the normal functioning of the fibers - synovial fluid. This substance is quite elastic, it is with it that the organ cavities are filled, visually resembling a bag.
If the ankle functions normally, in particular, the joint produces the required fluid, and also guarantees the tightness of the tissues, then the body has a good, high-quality support, a person can move his legs without fear of pain, injury, or other troubles. To maintain the connection in an anatomically correct state, you need to take care of your he alth. Doctors call for timely prevention of ankle diseases, since preventive measures are much easier than the treatment of any disease, especially the articular one.
How to stay he althy?
According to statistics, ankle injuries are one of the most common foot injuries in humans. This is due to the large loads and vulnerability of this part of the limbs. Articular components, footwork not only at the moment when a person is moving, but also when he is sitting, standing. Quite often, ligament ruptures and sprains are recorded. There may be other types of damage. In recent years, cases of diagnosing orthopedic diseases have significantly increased.
In order for the joint to be in good condition for a long time, and a person to be able to move without difficulty and pain, without mobility restrictions, it is important to choose good, comfortable shoes for yourself in size, and also massage the foot regularly. You can prevent diseases of the limbs by controlling your weight, avoiding excess kilograms. If a person goes in for sports, it is necessary to use special support stockings or make bandaging with an elastic material. This helps to reduce and distribute the load, reducing the likelihood of injury. It is no less important to rationally approach the organization of the day, allocating time for work, rest, distributing all the time so that there is no overload on the articular, muscle, and bone tissues. In case of pain syndrome, even weak, you should immediately make an appointment with a doctor in order to find out the cause. If pathology begins, it is easier to eliminate it at first, rather than when it goes into a developed state, it will provoke complications.
Complex and vulnerable
Often, athletes call the ankle the vestibular apparatus of the lower extremities. This is due to the fact that it is thanks to this organ that a person can maintain balance by performing a variety of movements. Of the other elements that form the musculoskeletal system, the ankle is considered perhaps the most difficult. Anddurability, and movement mechanics are all in his area of responsibility. The ankle is involved in jumping, running, walking. Its normal functioning allows you to crouch, stand on your toes while maintaining a stable upright position.
The complexity of the structure, the variety of functions assigned to organic tissues cause a tendency to injury. It is known that the more complex the system, the higher the probability of disruption of its functionality, and the ankle is just a very, very complex combination of a huge number of elements carrying different functional loads.
Common diseases
At present, one of the most frequently diagnosed diagnoses in those who present with pain in the extremities is arthritis. This is an inflammation that affects the ankle, occurring in a chronic form or acute. Also, the area is affected by osteoarthritis, in which cartilage tissue degradation is detected, which negatively affects the mobility of the elements.
Diseases develop for a wide range of reasons. Often it's all about age - over the years, organic tissues wear out, become thinner, and a person loses mobility, he is tormented by pain. Loads, injuries, osteoporosis that affected this area can play a role. Often the problem is provoked by general metabolic disorders of the body, as well as pathologies that cause this trouble. Dangerous for the ankle and autoimmune he alth disorders, which are characterized by an incorrect choice of "enemies" by the cells of the immune system. It is known that for a number ofdiseases immunity "fights" with its own body. This is typical not only for HIV, but also for lupus in a systemic form, and some other pathologies. Genetic predisposition may also play a role: the tendency to damage the joints is inherited.
Ankle injuries: what the statistics say
As can be seen from the information collected by medicine, injuries of the tibia (fractures, cracks), as well as dislocations, subluxations, are most often detected. It so happened that at first, many do not pay attention to the manifestations of the result of a fall, impact and go to the doctor when the situation becomes difficult. Doctors urge: if after a jump or other dangerous situation in the ankle, the ankle is worried about pain (even mild), lasting several days, it is necessary to visit a traumatologist. Often the pain is accompanied by swelling - sometimes barely noticeable, sometimes pronounced.
Symptomatology usually indicates a bone fracture. If at the same time the articular ending is damaged, the joint cavity may be deformed. This leads to serious impairment of mobility, and in an advanced case there is a risk that the process cannot be reversed - the person will suffer from pain all his life.
