What is the name of the larger of the two bones forming the leg below the knee?

The larger bone forming the leg below the knee is known as the tibia. This bone plays a crucial role in supporting the weight of the body and is essential for movement, making it a significant structure in the lower extremity. It is located medial to the fibula and articulates with the femur at the knee joint and the talus bone at the ankle joint.

The distinction between the tibia and the other bones mentioned is important. The fibula, while also a bone of the lower leg, is considerably smaller and does not participate in the knee joint formation. The patella, often referred to as the kneecap, is a sesamoid bone that protects the knee joint but is not involved in the leg structure beneath the knee. The femur, located above the knee, is the thigh bone and is the longest bone in the body, but it does not form the leg below the knee. Therefore, understanding the structural and functional anatomy of the lower leg clarifies why tibia is the correct choice in this context.