Final answer:
The tibia is the larger, weight-bearing bone located on the medial side of the leg, while the fibula is the slender bone of the lateral side that does not bear weight. You can differentiate between them by their location and function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fibula and tibia are bones in the lower leg. The tibia is the larger, weight-bearing bone on the medial side of the leg, while the fibula is the slender bone on the lateral side of the leg that does not bear weight.
One way to differentiate between the fibula and tibia is by their location. The tibia is located on the medial side and can be easily palpated down the entire length of the leg, as it is immediately under the skin. On the other hand, only the proximal and distal ends of the fibula can be palpated.
Another way to differentiate them is by their function. The tibia is responsible for bearing weight and is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg.