What is the talocrural articulation or ankle-joint?

What it is

• The ankle-joint is a ginglymus, or hinge-joint. The structures entering into its formation are the lower end of the tibia and its malleolus, the malleolus of the fibula, and the transverse ligament, which together form a mortise for the reception of the upper convex surface of the talus and its medial and lateral facets. The bones are connected by the following ligaments: The Articular Capsule. The Anterior Talofibular. The Deltoid. The Posterior Talofibular. The Calcaneofibular.
• The Articular Capsule ( capsula articularis; capsular ligament ). —The articular capsule surrounds the joints, and is attached, above, to the borders of the articular surfaces of the tibia and malleoli; and below, to the talus around its upper articular surface. The anterior part of the capsule ( anterior ligament ) is a broad, thin, membranous layer, attached, above, to the anterior margin of the lower end of the tibia; below, to the talus, in front of its superior articular surface.
• It is in relation, in front, with the Extensor tendons of the toes, the tendons of the Tibialis anterior and Peronæus tertius, and the anterior tibial vessels and deep peroneal nerve. The posterior part of the capsule ( posterior ligament ) is very thin, and consists principally of transverse fibers. It is attached, above, to the margin of the articular surface of the tibia, blending with the transverse ligament; below, to the talus behind its superior articular facet.
• Laterally, it is somewhat thickened, and is attached to the hollow on the medial surface of the lateral malleolus.