Which parts are included in the lower extremity?

The lower extremity is anatomically defined to consist of various segments that support movement and weight-bearing capabilities. The correct choice encompasses both the upper leg, commonly referred to as the thigh, and the lower leg, which includes the area from the knee to the ankle. This distinction aligns with human anatomy, where the lower extremity typically begins at the hip (where the upper leg is) and extends down to the foot, incorporating both the thigh and the shin areas.

In contrast, the other choices incorrectly define the parts of the lower extremity. One option mentions components of the foot (the tarsals and metatarsals), which are indeed parts of the lower extremity, but do not capture the complete segments; they only address the more distal parts. Another option focuses solely on the foot and ankle, again omitting the upper leg and lower leg. The last choice includes carpals (which are part of the wrist) and phalanges (the bones of the fingers and toes), but these are associated with the upper extremities or the hands and feet, not exclusively with the lower extremity itself. Therefore, understanding the anatomical structure of the lower extremity is crucial, as it extends from the hip down to the toes, incorporating