<P> The ossification or formation of the bone starts from three centers; one in the shaft and one in each extremity . </P> <P> The tibia is categorized as a long bone and is as such composed of a diaphysis and two epiphyses . The diaphysis is the midsection of the tibia, also known as the shaft or body . While the epiphyses are the two rounded extremities of the bone; an upper (also known as superior or proximal) closest to the thigh and a lower (also known as inferior or distal) closest to the foot . The tibia is most contracted in the lower third and the distal extremity is smaller than the proximal . </P> <P> The proximal or upper extremity of the tibia is expanded in the transverse plane with a medial and lateral condyle, which are both flattened in the horizontal plane . The medial condyle is the largest of the two and is better supported over the shaft . The upper surfaces of the condyles articulate with the femur to form the tibiofemoral joint, the weightbearing part of the kneejoint . </P> <P> The medial and lateral condyle are separated by the intercondylar area, where the cruciate ligaments and the menisci attach . Here the medial and lateral intercondylar tubercle forms the intercondylar eminence . Together with the medial and lateral condyle the intercondylar region forms the tibial plateau, which both articulates with and is anchored to the lower extremity of the femur . The intercondylar eminence divides the intercondylar area into an anterior and posterior part . The anterolateral region of the anterior intercondylar area are perforated by numerous small openings for nutrient arteries . The articular surfaces of both condyles are concave, particularly centrally . The flatter outer margins are in contact with the menisci . The medial condyles superior surface is oval in form and extends laterally onto the side of medial intercondylar tubercle . The lateral condyles superior surface is more circular in form and its medial edge extends onto the side of the lateral intercondylar tubercle . The posterior surface of the medial condyle bears a horizontal groove for part of the attachment of the semimembranosus muscle, whereas the lateral condyle has a circular facet for articulation with the head of the fibula . Beneath the condyles is the tibial tuberosity which serves for attachment of the patellar ligament, a continuation of the quadriceps femoris muscle . </P>

Where does the tibia articulate with the femur
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