In this pdf-note, we’ll start with the borders of the lower limb:

• The posterior border passes through the coccyx and the lateral margins of the sacrum

• The lateral border is the iliac crest

• The anterior border passes through the inguinal ligament and the pubic symphysis

There are several regions within the lower limb:

1. Gluteal region (regio glutealis)

2. Femoral region (regio femoralis)

3. Knee region (regio genus)

4. Leg region (regio cruralis)

5. Ankle region (regio talocruralis)

6. Foot region (regio pedis)

Within these areas, the muscles of the lower limb are located.

These include:

• Pelvic girdle muscles

• Muscles of the free part of lower limb

  The muscles of the free part of the lower limb are divided into:

• Thigh muscles

• Leg muscles

• Foot muscles

  The leg muscles form three groups:

• The anterior group consists of the extensors of the foot

• The posterior group consists of the flexors and supinators of the foot

• The lateral group consists of the foot abductor muscles The anterior group includes the following muscles:

• Tibialis anterior muscle (m. tibialis anterior)

  

  

  

  Tibialis anterior muscle
  (m. tibialis anterior)

  Origin: lateral surface of the body of the tibia, lateral condyle of the tibia, interosseous membrane of the leg

  Insertion: plantar surface of the medial cuneiform bone, base of the 1st metatarsal

  Function: extends the foot at the ankle joint (the so-called dorsal flexion), supinates the foot

  Innervation: deep fibular nerve (L4-S1)

  Blood supply: anterior tibial artery

• Extensor digitorum longus muscle (m. extensor digitorum longus)

  

  

  

  Extensor digitorum longus muscle
  (m. extensor digitorum longus)

  Origin: lateral condyle of the tibia, head and anterior margin of the fibula, interosseous membrane of the leg

  Insertion: at the level of the ankle joint, it divides into four tendons, each of which then divide into three bundles. The middle bundle inserts into the base of the middle phalanx, and the lateral ones insert into the base of the distal phalanx. Sometimes the muscle also has a fifth tendon.

  Function: extends fingers 2-5 at the metatarsophalangeal joints, extends the foot at the ankle joint

  Innervation: deep fibular nerve (L4-S1)

  Blood supply: anterior tibial artery

• Peroneus tertius muscle (m. peroneus tertius), which is not always present

  

  

  Peroneus tertius muscle
  (m. peroneus tertius)

  Origin: inferior third of the fibula, interosseous membrane of the leg

  Insertion: base of the 5th metatarsal

  Function: abducts the foot (lifts its lateral border)

  Innervation: deep fibular nerve (L4-S1)

  Blood supply: anterior tibial artery, fibular artery

• Extensor hallucis longus muscle (m. extensor hallucis longus)

Dictionary

Muscles of the leg

Gluteal region

regio glutealis

Femoral region

regio femoralis

Knee region

regio genus

Leg region

regio cruralis

Ankle region

regio talocruralis

Foot region

regio pedis

Tibialis anterior muscle

m. tibialis anterior

Extensor digitorum longus muscle

m. extensor digitorum longus

Peroneus tertius muscle

m. peroneus tertius

Extensor hallucis longus muscle

m. extensor hallucis longus