What is the smaller and more lateral bone of the lower leg?

The smaller and more lateral bone of the lower leg is indeed the fibula. In anatomical terms, the fibula is located on the outer side of the leg, parallel to the larger tibia, which is found medially. The fibula serves primarily as an attachment site for muscles and provides lateral stability to the ankle, while the tibia bears most of the weight of the body.

Understanding the arrangement and function of these bones is crucial for anyone studying human anatomy, particularly in the context of movement and injury. The role of the fibula as a non-weight-bearing bone, in contrast to the tibia, is significant in various clinical and athletic considerations, such as fractures or ankle stability. The other options do not pertain to the lower leg; for instance, the scapula is part of the shoulder girdle, and the ulna is one of the bones of the forearm.