The talus is a uniquely shaped bone in the ankle that acts as a vital mechanical link between the leg and foot. It articulates with the tibia and fibula above to form the ankle joint, while below it connects with the calcaneus (heel bone) and navicular bone, enabling complex foot movements. This critical bone bears and distributes the entire body's weight while walking and helps maintain balance through its role in ankle mobility.
The word "talus" comes from the Latin word meaning "ankle," though it also refers to a die (gaming cube) used in Roman times, as the bone's shape resembles a gaming die.
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