Which of the following is the larger and stronger of the two lower leg bones?

The tibia is indeed the larger and stronger of the two bones in the lower leg. It is commonly referred to as the shinbone and plays a critical role in bearing weight and supporting a person's body in movement. The tibia connects to the knee at its upper end and to the ankle at its lower end, forming important joints that are vital for activities such as walking, running, and jumping.

In contrast, the fibula, while also a bone of the lower leg, is significantly smaller and situated alongside the tibia. It provides stability to the ankle but does not contribute as significantly to weight-bearing as the tibia does. The patella, or kneecap, is a flat, triangular bone that protects the knee joint but is not classified as a lower leg bone. The femur is the thigh bone and is the longest bone in the body, but it is situated in the upper leg rather than the lower leg.

Understanding the roles and characteristics of these bones helps clarify why the tibia is the dominant bone in the lower leg.