Which bones articulate to form the ankle mortise?

The ankle mortise is a crucial structure that facilitates the movement of the ankle joint. It is specifically formed by the talus, tibia, and fibula. The tibia and fibula are the two bones of the lower leg, and they come together to create a socket-like structure that encompasses the talus bone, which sits on top of the foot.

The shape of the tibia, particularly its malleoli (the bony protrusions on either side of the ankle), paired with the upper surface of the talus, forms a stable and supportive joint capable of withstanding the forces that occur during weight-bearing activities such as walking and running. This configuration allows for a range of motion at the ankle while also providing the necessary stability to prevent injuries.

The other combinations of bones listed do not accurately represent the structures that create the ankle mortise. The radius, for instance, is part of the forearm and is not involved in the formation of the ankle. The calcaneus is the heel bone and does not articulate directly with the bones making up the ankle joint, nor does the femur, which is located in the thigh, come into play when discussing the ankle mortise. Therefore, the correct answer is based on the