Language
Country/Area
No result found
The amazing structure of the ankle joint: Why is it called the only "mortise and tenon" joint in the human body?
The ankle joint is an extremely important joint in the human body. It is located at the intersection of the leg and the foot and assumes surprising functions. The special structure of this joint allows it to operate flexibly during movement, so it is called a "mortise and tenon" joint. This article will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the unique features of the ankle joint, its anatomy, function, and clinical importance.
Anatomy of the ankle joint
The ankle joint includes three main joints: the ankle joint (or talofibular joint), the subtalar joint and the inferior talofibular joint. The main movements of these joints are dorsiflexion (raising the foot upward) and plantar flexion (pressing the foot downward).
In medical terminology, "ankle" can refer to this area broadly or to the talofibular joint specifically.
The ankle joint is made up of multiple bones, including the talus, tibia, and fibula. The weight-bearing surface of the talus combines with the articular surface of the tibia, making it more stable when bearing weight, while the fibula supports less weight. The ankle joint is characterized by its unique "mortise and tenon" structure, which makes it similar to traditional carpentry's mortise and tenon structure.
Mechanism of ankle joint movement
Since there are three main joints in the ankle joint, the cooperation of the ankle joint makes complex movements more flexible during movement. When the foot moves, the ankle joint not only provides up-and-down movement, but also allows a certain degree of lateral sliding, rotation, adduction, and abduction.
The arched structure of the ankle is called the "ankle mortise and tenon" and is an important source of joint stability.
The stability of the ankle joint relies on the surrounding ligament system, including three powerful lateral ligaments and a medial rhomboid ligament. Through the stable support of these ligaments, the ankle joint can maintain good posture during daily walking, running and jumping, reducing the risk of injury.
The relationship between power and balance
The flexibility of the ankle joint not only affects the balance of the body during exercise, but also plays a key role in the coordinated operation of the five sense organs. Research shows that ankle joint perception is closely related to the body's sense of balance. When the ankle joint senses instability, it responds quickly to help maintain the body's center of gravity.
A study conducted in 2011 showed that vestibular perception in the ankle joint plays an important role in maintaining balance.
Clinical significance
Injury to any joint will have an impact on the quality of life, and the ankle joint is particularly susceptible to injury. Experts point out that the ankle joint is one of the most commonly injured joints, especially during strenuous exercise, the ankle joint is more susceptible to sprains.
Classic ankle sprains usually involve the anterior talofibular ligament, which is the most commonly injured ligament. As people's lifestyles change, ankle joint protection and appropriate exercise recommendations are becoming increasingly important. For athletes, the stability of the ankle joint is even more critical. Adequate warm-up and proper training are good ways to avoid injuries.
Conclusion
The ankle joint not only has a unique anatomical structure, but also plays an important role in daily life. With in-depth research on this joint, I believe there will be more discoveries in the future, further revealing its mysterious effects in the operation of the human body. Have you ever wondered what other unknown functions the ankle joint has?
