The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the human body, extending from the hip to the knee. It bears most of the body's weight during standing, walking, and running. The femur's ball-shaped head fits into the acetabulum of the hip bone, creating a stable ball-and-socket joint that allows for a wide range of motion.
The name "femur" comes directly from Latin, where it literally means "thigh." This term has been used in anatomical descriptions since ancient Roman times.
Without functioning femurs, humans would be unable to stand upright, walk, or bear weight on their lower limbs. The absence or severe damage to femurs would eliminate the critical structural connection between hip and knee, rendering a person immobile without external supports.
