What is a malleolus?

A malleolus refers specifically to the rounded bone protuberances located on each side of the ankle. These bony structures are part of the tibia and fibula bones in the leg. The medial malleolus is found on the inner side of the ankle and is formed by the distal end of the tibia, while the lateral malleolus is located on the outer side and is formed by the distal end of the fibula.

These protuberances serve significant functional and anatomical purposes, including providing stability to the ankle joint and serving as attachment sites for ligaments. Understanding the role and location of the malleoli is crucial in both anatomy and clinical contexts, such as when assessing injuries or conditions related to the ankle.