The "ankle heel" isn't a standard anatomical term. The foot is functionally a single unit but can be divided into the hindfoot, midfoot, and forefoot. The hindfoot forms both the ankle and the heel. Therefore, the ankle and heel are closely related structures of the hindfoot.
Understanding the Components
To clarify, let's break down the parts:
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Ankle: This refers to the joint where the bones of the lower leg (tibia and fibula) meet the talus bone of the foot. It allows for up-and-down movement of the foot.
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Heel: This primarily refers to the calcaneus, or heel bone, which is the largest bone in the foot. It supports the weight of the body and provides leverage for walking and other movements.
The Hindfoot Connection
The hindfoot is comprised of:
- Talus: This bone connects the foot to the lower leg bones, forming part of the ankle joint.
- Calcaneus: This is the heel bone.
Essentially, the ankle joint sits atop the hindfoot, which includes the heel. Therefore, while not a single structure, the term "ankle heel" refers to the combined region of the ankle and heel, which form the hindfoot.
