Femur
Femur
The longest and strongest bone — about a quarter of adult height.
Bears the load of the upper body during standing and walking, and anchors the largest muscles in the body.
Where it is
Thigh, from hip to knee.
The numbers
- Length
- about 26% of standing height
- Compressive strength
- roughly 1,700–2,000 kg
Worth knowing
Because femur length is a fairly consistent fraction of height, forensic anthropologists estimate stature from it. It is strong enough in compression to bear well over a tonne, though far weaker in bending — which is why femoral fractures come from side impacts rather than from loading.
Structural reference only — this is not medical advice, and individual variation in every figure here is substantial. Anything concerning your own health belongs with a clinician rather than a reference page.
Common questions
- What does the femur do?
- Bears the load of the upper body during standing and walking, and anchors the largest muscles in the body..
- Femur — key numbers
- Length: about 26% of standing height. Compressive strength: roughly 1,700–2,000 kg.
Related pages
Sources
- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place