What is the term for the bony prominence on either side of the ankle?

The term for the bony prominence on either side of the ankle is "malleolus." The ankle consists of two main malleoli: the lateral malleolus, which is the prominence on the outside of the ankle, formed by the fibula, and the medial malleolus, located on the inner side of the ankle, formed by the tibia. These structures are significant as they provide stability to the ankle joint and serve as attachment points for ligaments.

Understanding the anatomy of the ankle involves recognizing that the tarsal bones are a group of seven bones in the foot, but they do not specifically refer to the bony prominences around the ankle. Similarly, the fibula and tibia are the two long bones of the lower leg and contribute to the structure of the ankle, but they are not synonymous with the term malleolus. The malleoli are specifically identified as prominent protrusions that can be palpated, making the term distinct and crucial for discussions about ankle anatomy and function.