Which of the following terms corresponds to the instep of the foot or ankle?

The term that corresponds to the instep of the foot or ankle is tarsal. The tarsal region refers specifically to the group of bones located in the back of the foot, which includes the talus and the calcaneus, as well as the other bones that form the ankle joint and the arch of the foot. This area plays a crucial role in the structure and function of the foot, contributing to its stability and ability to bear weight.

Other terms listed, such as sternal, specifically refer to the breastbone area of the chest, vertebral relates to the spine, and popliteal pertains to the area behind the knee. Each of these terms designates different anatomical regions that do not have any relation to the foot or ankle. Hence, tarsal is the accurate descriptor for the instep area.