Final answer:
The condition where the angle between the femoral shaft and femoral neck is relatively flat is known as coxa vara. A normal angle is around 125 degrees, and this structure is vital for transferring body weight from the femoral neck to the shaft.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the angle of inclination, which is the angle between the femoral shaft and the femoral neck, is relatively flat, this condition is referred to as having a low angle of inclination or coxa vara. A normal angle of inclination is typically about 125 degrees.
When the angle is less than normal, the femoral neck appears more horizontal, similar to the description of being like a toothpick in the wall. In this position, the neck of the femur must transfer the downward force of the body weight horizontally to the vertical shaft of the femur.
A low angle of inclination decreases the effectiveness of this transfer, which can affect hip stability and may contribute to certain medical conditions. It's important to note that the structure of the femur, including the Q-angle, which represents the angle of the femur relative to the vertical line of the tibia, is influenced by factors such as sex, with females generally having a larger Q-angle due to a wider pelvis.