Andrew Dilley
Lower Limb Anatomy
Muscles of the lower limb
Use the cadavers, pots and models to identify the main muscles of the lower limb. Determine the function
of each muscle.
Extensor compartment of thigh
Sartorius
Iliacus/Psoas major
Tensor fasciae latae
Quadriceps femoris
Rectus femoris
Vasti lateralis, medialis, intermedius
Adductor compartment of thigh
Pectineus
Adductor longus, brevis, magnus
Gracilis
Gluteal region
Gluteus maximus
Gluteus medius, minimus
Piriformis
Obturator internus, externus
The Gemelli
Flexor compartment of thigh (Hamstrings)
Biceps femoris
Semitendinosus
Semimembranosus
Anterior compartment of leg
Tibialis anterior
Extensor digitorum longus
Extensor hallucis longus
Peroneus tertius
Andrew Dilley
Lateral compartment of leg
Peroneus longus
Peroneus brevis
Posterior compartment of leg
Superficial muscles
Gastrocnemius (+Achilles tendon)
Soleus
Plantaris
Deep muscles
Flexor hallucis longus
Flexor digitorum longus
Tibialis posterior
Popliteus
Dorsal muscles of foot
Extensor digitorum brevis
Extensor hallucis brevis
Plantar muscles of foot
First layer (superficial) Abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, abductor digiti minimi
Second layer Quadratus plantae, lumbricals, tendons of long flexors
Third layer Flexor hallucis brevis, adductor hallucis, flexor digiti minimi brevis
Fourth layer (deep) interossei
The Skeleton
Identify the skeletal components of the lower limb. Examine the muscle attachments.
Andrew Dilley
Joints
Examine the joints of the lower limb.
Hip
Ligaments – pubofemeral, ischiofemoral, iliofemoral
Knee
Ligaments – tibial/fibular collateral, anterior/posterior cruciate, patellar (quadraceps tendon)
Bursa – suprapatellar, prepatellar, subcutaneous/deep infrapatella
Ankle
Ligaments – medial (or deltoid), lateral (anterior/posterior tibiofibular , talofibular, calcaneofibular)
Vessels and nerves
Examine the vessels and nerves of the lower limb.
Main arteries:
Common iliac
External iliac
Femoral (+ superficial/deep branches)
Profunda femoris
Anastomosis around knee (genicular arteries, branch of lat femoral circumflex)
Popliteal
Anterior/posterior tibial
Peroneal
Medial/lateral plantar
Plantar arch
Dorsalis pedis
Main nerves:
Femoral (anterior division, posterior division (incudes saphenous)) (L2-L4)
Obturator (L2-L4)
Sciatic (L4-S3)
Peroneal (=deep/superficial)
Tibial
Sural
Plantar
Main veins:
Great/small saphenous vein