fémurs

The femur, also known as the thigh bone, is the longest and strongest bone in the human body. It is located in the upper leg and extends from the hip to the knee. The femur is a long bone that is crucial for locomotion, supporting the body's weight and enabling movement.

The upper end of the femur articulates with the pelvis at the hip joint, forming a ball-and-socket joint that allows for a wide range of motion. The lower end of the femur articulates with the tibia and patella at the knee joint, facilitating bending and straightening of the leg. The shaft of the femur is a long, cylindrical bone that is slightly curved.

The femur is composed of compact bone, which provides strength and rigidity, and spongy bone, which is lighter and contains bone marrow. Bone marrow is responsible for producing blood cells. The femur is also home to various muscles, tendons, and ligaments that are essential for its function.

Fractures of the femur, particularly femoral shaft fractures, are serious injuries that often require surgical intervention to repair. These fractures can be caused by high-impact trauma, such as car accidents or falls. Despite its strength, the femur can be susceptible to conditions like osteoporosis, which weakens the bone and increases the risk of fractures, especially in older adults.