crossword ankle bones – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "crossword ankle bones", you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, clear explanations, and useful tips to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword ankle bones" by Letter Count
4 Letters
TALI: The plural form of talus, referring to the main bone that forms the ankle joint. A very common crossword answer for 'ankle bones'.
5 Letters
TALUS: The singular form of the primary ankle bone. While the clue is plural, sometimes singular answers are accepted, or 'bone' might be implied, especially if it fits the grid.
6 Letters
ANKLES: While not strictly anatomical bones, this term refers to the joint and can sometimes be used in a looser context for 'ankle bones' in puzzles, particularly if the puzzle is less specific with anatomical terms.
More About "crossword ankle bones"
The term "ankle bones" typically refers to the bones that make up the ankle joint, most prominently the talus. The talus is a crucial bone in the human foot, situated between the tibia and fibula (the two lower leg bones) above and the calcaneus (heel bone) below. It plays a vital role in transmitting weight from the leg to the foot and enabling various movements like dorsiflexion and plantarflexion.
In crosswords, anatomical terms like "talus" or its plural "tali" are frequently used due to their precise meaning and often concise length. Understanding these specific terms can be a significant advantage when tackling puzzles with medical or biological clues. The ankle joint itself is a complex structure involving not just bones, but also ligaments, tendons, and muscles, all working together to provide stability and mobility.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Plural vs. Singular: Always check if the clue implies a singular or plural answer. For "ankle bones," plural answers like TALI or ANKLES are most likely, but TALUS could appear if the setter wants to trick you or refers to "the ankle bone."
- Think Anatomically: When a clue mentions a specific body part, consider the precise anatomical terms. Crosswords often leverage scientific vocabulary for brevity and uniqueness. Learn common anatomical roots and suffixes.
- Utilize Cross-References: Don't just focus on the clue itself. Use the letters you've filled in from intersecting words to confirm or narrow down your options. This is especially helpful for trickier anatomical terms.
- Broaden Your Interpretation: Sometimes, clues can be interpreted loosely. While "ankle bones" technically refers to specific ossa, "ANKLES" (the joint) might be the intended answer if the grid demands a longer word or the puzzle setter is being less scientific.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary anatomical ankle bone?
The primary anatomical bone that forms the ankle joint is the talus. It connects the lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) to the foot bones, allowing for up-and-down movement of the foot.
Why is 'TALI' a common crossword answer for 'ankle bones'?
'TALI' is the Latin plural of 'talus', and it's a concise, specific anatomical term that fits well into many crossword grids. Its brevity and direct relation to the clue make it a very common solution.
Are there other bones that make up the ankle joint?
Yes, while the talus is the central 'ankle bone' that articulates with the foot, the ankle joint is formed by the articulation of the talus with the tibia (shin bone) and the fibula (calf bone). These three bones together form the ankle mortise, providing stability.