What three components make up the ankle joint?

The ankle joint is primarily formed by three bones: the talus, tibia, and fibula. The talus is a critical bone that sits above the heel bone (calcaneus) and below the tibia and fibula, forming the primary point of connection between the leg and the foot. The tibia, also known as the shinbone, and the fibula, which runs alongside the tibia, both contribute to the stability and mobility of the ankle. The tibia bears most of the weight, while the fibula provides lateral stability to the joint.

Understanding this anatomy is crucial for comprehending how the ankle functions during movement, its range of motion, and how injuries or conditions might affect it. In contrast, the other options include bones that do not contribute to the anatomical structure of the ankle joint, such as the femur, metatarsals, and carpal bones.