What is the anatomical term for the larger bone on the medial side of the lower leg?

The tibia is the anatomical term for the larger bone located on the medial side of the lower leg. It is also referred to as the shinbone and plays a crucial role in weight-bearing and locomotion. The tibia is significant as it connects the knee joint to the ankle joint and is responsible for supporting the majority of the body's weight during activities such as walking and running. Its size and position on the inside of the leg distinguish it from the fibula, which is the thinner bone located laterally and does not bear as much weight. The femur, or thigh bone, is not part of the lower leg, and the patella, known as the kneecap, is a small bone that articulates with the femur at the knee joint, further emphasizing the tibia's unique position in the anatomy of the lower leg.