Which bone is primarily responsible for weight bearing in the ankle?

The bone primarily responsible for weight bearing in the ankle is the calcaneus. This bone serves as the foundation of the rear part of the foot and is the largest bone in the foot. It supports the weight of the body when standing and during movement. The calcaneus absorbs the impact from activities such as walking and running, making it crucial for maintaining balance and stability.

While the talus is important for ankle joint movement by connecting the foot to the leg bones, it does not bear the majority of the weight during activities. The cuboid and navicular bones also play roles in the structure and movement of the foot, but they are not primarily responsible for weight bearing like the calcaneus. Understanding the functions of these bones is essential for grasping the mechanics of the ankle and foot during athletic performance.