Which bone is the primary weight-bearing bone in the lower leg?

The primary weight-bearing bone in the lower leg is the tibia. This bone is situated medially and is much larger and stronger than its counterpart, the fibula. The tibia is responsible for bearing most of the weight in the lower leg, supporting activities such as walking, running, and jumping. It helps transmit forces from the knee to the ankle and plays a crucial role in maintaining stability and alignment during movement.

In contrast, the fibula is a smaller bone located alongside the tibia on the lateral side. It primarily serves as an attachment point for muscles and provides some support but does not bear significant weight. The patella, or kneecap, is a sesamoid bone that protects the knee joint and aids in knee extension but does not contribute to weight-bearing in the lower leg. The coccyx, or tailbone, is a vestigial structure at the base of the spine and has no role in weight bearing in the lower leg.