What is the medical name for the ankle bone?

The medical name for the ankle bones falls under the category of tarsal bones, which are the seven bones located in the foot that help form the ankle and the arch of the foot. The collection of these bones, including the talus and calcaneus, is crucial for the mobility and functionality of the ankle joint.

Within the options presented, the term "tarsal" accurately encompasses the various bones that comprise the ankle area. This group includes specific bones such as the talus, which directly articulates with the leg bones, and the calcaneus, which is commonly known as the heel bone.

The other terms listed refer to either specific bones within the leg or knee. For example, the fibula is one of the two long bones in the lower leg, and the patella is the kneecap, serving a different function entirely. The cuboid is one of the tarsal bones, but it does not represent the entire group of ankle bones. Hence, recognizing "tarsal" as the medical term for the ankle bone is essential for understanding the anatomy of the foot and its skeletal structure.