What is another name for the ankle joint?

The ankle joint is commonly referred to as the talocrural joint. This term specifically describes the joint formed by the tibia and fibula of the lower leg and the talus bone of the foot. The talocrural joint is crucial for movement, allowing the up-and-down motion of the foot, which is essential for walking, running, and various other activities.

In contrast, the tarsal joint is a more generalized term that encompasses several joints within the tarsal bones, and the subtalar joint refers specifically to the joint located beneath the talus, which allows for side-to-side movement of the foot. The intertarsal joints pertain to the joints that connect the tarsal bones to one another rather than the connection between the leg and the foot. Therefore, identifying the ankle joint as the talocrural joint is both anatomically accurate and specific to its primary function.