Muscles of the Lower Limb - Listed Alphabetically
Muscle
Origin
Insertion
Action
Innervation
Artery
Notes
abductor digiti minimi (foot)
medial and lateral sides of the tuberosity of the calcaneus
lateral side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the 5th digit
abducts the 5th toe; flexes the metatarsophalageal joint
lateral plantar nerve
lateral plantar a.
abductor digiti minimi forms the lateral margin of the sole of the foot
abductor hallucis
medial side of the tuberosity of calcaneus
medial side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the great toe (hallux)
abducts the great toe; flexes the metatarsophalageal joint
medial plantar nerve
medial plantar a.
abductor hallucis forms the medial margin of the sole of the foot (Latin, hallex = great toe)
adductor brevis
inferior pubic ramus
pectineal line and linea aspera (deep to the pectineus and adductor longus
mm.)
adducts, flexes, and medially rotates the femur
anterior division of the obturator nerve
obturator a., deep femoral a.
anterior and posterior divisions of the obturator nerve lie on the anterior
and posterior surfaces of adductor brevis
adductor hallucis
oblique head: bases of metatarsals 2-4; transverse head: heads of metatarsals
3-5
lateral side of base of the proximal phalanx of the great toe
adducts the great toe (moves it toward midline of the foot; i.e.toward the
2nd digit)
deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve
plantar arterial arch
the plantar arterial arch passes superior to the oblique head of adductor hallucis (Latin, hallex = great toe)
adductor longus
medial portion of the superior pubic ramus
linea aspera of the femur
adducts, flexes, and medially rotates the femur
anterior division of the obturator nerve
obturator a., deep femoral a.
the most anterior of the adductor group of muscles
adductor magnus
ischiopubic ramus and ischial tuberosity
linea aspera of the femur; the ischiocondylar part inserts on the adductor
tubercle of the femur
adducts, flexes, and medially rotates the femur; extends the femur (ischiocondylar
part)
posterior division of the obturator nerve; tibial nerve (ischiocondylar
part)
obturator a., deep femoral a., medial femoral circumflex a.
the ischiocondylar part of adductor magnus is a hamstring muscle by embryonic
origin and action, so it is innervated by the tibial nerve
adductor minimus
lower portion of the inferior pubic ramus
gluteal ridge and upper part of the linea aspera of the femur
adducts and laterally rotates the femur
posterior division of the obturator nerve
obturator a., medial femoral circumflex a., deep femoral a.
adductor minimus m. is the uppermost fibers of the adductor magnus m.
articularis genu
anterior surface of the femur above the patellar surface
articular capsule of the knee
elevates the articular capsule of the knee joint
femoral nerve
descending genicular a.
articularis genu is formed by muscle fascicles deep to the vastus intermedius
m.
biceps femoris
long head: ischial tuberosity; short head: lateral lip of the linea aspera
head of fibula and lateral condyle of the tibia
extends the thigh, flexes the leg
long head: tibial nerve; short head: common fibular (peroneal) nerve
perforating branches of the deep femoral a.
one of the "hamstring" muscles
dorsal interosseous (foot)
shafts of adjacent metatarsal bones
bases of the proximal phalanges for digit 2 (both sides) & digits 3,4 (lateral
side)
abduct digits 2-4 (move these digits away from midline as defined by a plane
passing through the 2nd digit); flex the metatarsophalangeal joints and extend
the interphalangeal joints of those digits
deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve
dorsal metatarsal aa.
four in number; remember DAB (Dorsal interossei ABduct) and PAD (Plantar interossei ADduct), then logic can tell you where these muscles insert (Latin, inter = between + os = bone)
extensor digitorum brevis
superolateral surface of the calcaneus
extensor expansion of toes 1-4
extends toes 1-4
deep fibular (peroneal) nerve
dorsalis pedis a.
the part of the extensor digitorum brevis that goes to the great toe is
called the extensor hallucis brevis m.
extensor digitorum longus
lateral condyle of the tibia, anterior surface of the fibula, lateral portion
of the interosseous membrane
dorsum of the lateral 4 toes via extensor expansions (central slip inserts
on base of middle phalanx, lateral slips on base of distal phalanx)
extends the metatarsophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal
joints of the lateral 4 toes
deep fibular (peroneal) nerve
anterior tibial a.
one of the muscles involved in anterior compartment syndrome
extensor hallucis brevis
superolateral surface of the calcaneus
dorsum of base of proximal phalanx of the great toe
extends the great toe
deep fibular (peroneal) nerve
dorsalis pedis a.
usually considered to be the medial-most part of the extensor digitorum brevis m. (Latin, hallex = great toe)
extensor hallucis longus
middle half of the anterior surface of the fibula and the interosseous membrane
base of the distal phalanx of the great toe
extends the metatarsophalangeal interphalangeal joints of the great toe
deep fibular (peroneal) nerve
anterior tibial a.
one of the muscles involved in anterior compartment syndrome (Latin, hallex = great toe)
fibularis (peroneus) brevis
lower one third of the lateral surface of the fibula
tuberosity of the base of the 5th metatarsal
extends (plantar flexes) and everts the foot
superficial fibular (peroneal) nerve
fibular (peroneal) a.
stress fracture of the base of the 5th metatarsal bone is a common runner's
injury
fibularis (peroneus) longus
upper two/thirds of the lateral surface of the fibula
after crossing the plantar surface of the foot deep to the intrinsic muscles,
it inserts on the medial cuneiform and the base of the 1st metatarsal bone
extends (plantar flexes) and everts the foot
superficial fibular (peroneal) nerve
fibular (peroneal) a.
fibularis longus lies superficial to the fibularis brevis m. in the lateral
compartment of the leg
fibularis (peroneus) tertius
distal part of the anterior surface of the fibula
dorsum of the shaft of the 5th metatarsal bone
everts the foot
deep fibular (peroneal) nerve
anterior tibial a.
fibularis tertius is in the anterior compartment of the leg, not the lateral
compartment (which contains fibularis longus and brevis)
flexor digiti minimi brevis (foot)
base of 5th metatarsal bone
lateral side of base of proximal phalanx of 5th digit
flexes the metatarsophalangeal joint of the 5th digit
lateral plantar nerve
lateral plantar a.
none
flexor digitorum brevis
tuberosity of the calcaneus, plantar aponeurosis, intermuscular septae
base of the middle phalanx of digits 2-5 after splitting to allow passage
of the flexor digitorum longus tendons
flexes the metatarsophalangeal & proximal interphalangeal joints of digits
2-5
medial plantar nerve
medial and lateral plantar aa.
flexor digitorum brevis in the foot is equivalent to the flexor digitorum
superficialis m. of the arm
flexor digitorum longus
middle half of the posterior surface of the tibia
bases of the distal phalanges of digits 2-5
flexes the metatarsophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal
joints of digits 2-5; plantar flexes the foot
tibial nerve
tibial a.
flexor digitorum longus in the leg is equivalent to the flexor digitorum
profundus m. of the arm
flexor hallucis brevis
cuboid, lateral cuneiform, medial side of the first metatarsal
medial belly: medial side of proximal phalanx of the great toe; lateral
belly: lateral side of the proximal phalanx of the great toe
flexes the metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe
medial plantar nerve (lateral belly occasionally receives innervation from
the lateral plantar nerve)
medial plantar a.
each tendon of insertion contains a sesamoid bone (Latin, hallex = great toe)
flexor hallucis longus
lower 2/3 of the posterior surface of the fibula
base of the distal phalanx of the great toe
flexes the metatarsophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of the
great toe; plantar flexes the foot
tibial nerve
fibular (peroneal) a. and tibial a.
flexor hallucis longus is very important in the "push off" part of the normal gait (Latin, hallex = great toe)
gastrocnemius
femur; medial head: above the medial femoral condyle; lateral head: above
the lateral femoral condyle
dorsum of the calcaneus via the calcaneal (Achilles') tendon
flexes leg; plantar flexes foot
tibial nerve
sural aa. (from the popliteal a.), posterior tibial a.
the calcaneal tendon of the gastrocnemius and soleus is the thickest and strongest tendon in the body
gemellus, inferior
ischial tuberosity
obturator internus tendon
laterally rotates the femur
nerve to the quadratus femoris m.
inferior gluteal a.
gemellus is a Latin word that means "little twin"
gemellus, superior
ischial spine
obturator internus tendon
laterally rotates the femur
nerve to the obturator internus m.
inferior gluteal a.
gemellus is a Latin word that means "little twin"
gluteus maximus
posterior gluteal line, posterior surface of sacrum and coccyx, sacrotuberous
ligament
upper fibers: iliotibial tract; lowermost fibers: gluteal tuberosity of
the femur
extends the thigh; laterally rotates the femur
inferior gluteal nerve
superior and inferior gluteal aa.
gluteus maximus is a site of intramuscular injection
gluteus medius
external surface of the ilium between the posterior and anterior gluteal
lines
greater trochanter of the femur
abducts the femur; medially rotates the thigh
superior gluteal nerve
superior gluteal a.
the angle at which the gluteus medius tendon approaches the greater trochanter
of the femur is anterior to the axis of rotation of the thigh, resulting in
medial rotation
gluteus minimus
external surface of the ilium between the anterior and inferior gluteal
lines
greater trochanter of the femur
abducts the femur; medially rotates the thigh
superior gluteal nerve
superior gluteal a.
the angle at which the gluteus minimus tendon approaches the greater trochanter
of the femur is anterior to the axis of rotation of the thigh, resulting in
medial rotation
gracilis
pubic symphysis and the inferior pubic ramus
medial surface of the tibia (via pes anserinus)
adducts the thigh, flexes and medially rotates the thigh, flexes the leg
anterior division of the obturator nerve
obturator a.
the pes anserinus is the common insertion of the gracilis, sartorius, and semitendinosus mm. (Latin, pes anserinus = goose's foot; gracilis = slender)
iliacus
iliac fossa and iliac crest; ala of sacrum
lesser trochanter of the femur
flexes the thigh; if the thigh is fixed it flexes the pelvis on the thigh
femoral nerve
iliolumbar a.
inserts in company with the psoas major m. via the iliopsoas tendon
iliopsoas
iliac fossa; bodies and transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae
lesser trochanter of the femur
flexes the thigh; flexes and laterally bends the lumbar vertebral column
branches of the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L2-L4; branches of
the femoral nerve
iliolumbar a.
a combination of the iliacus and psoas major mm.
inferior gemellus
ischial tuberosity
obturator internus tendon
laterally rotates the femur
nerve to the quadratus femoris m.
inferior gluteal a.
Latin, gemellus = little twin
interosseous, dorsal (foot)
shafts of adjacent metatarsal bones
bases of the proximal phalanges for digit 2 (both sides) & digits 3,4 (lateral
side)
abduct digits 2-4 (move these digits away from midline as defined by a plane
passing through the 2nd digit); flex the metatarsophalangeal joints and extend
the interphalangeal joints of those digits
deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve
dorsal metatarsal aa.
four in number; remember DAB (Dorsal interossei ABduct) and PAD (Plantar interossei ADduct), then logic can tell you where these muscles insert (Latin, inter = between + os = bone)
interosseous, plantar
base and medial side of metatarsals 3-5
bases of proximal phalanges and extensor expansions of digits 3-5
adduct digits 3-5 (move these digits toward the midline of the foot as defined
by a plane through the second digit); flex the metacarpophalangeal and extend
interphalangeal joints of digits 3-5
deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve
plantar metatarsal aa.
remember PAD (Plantar interossei ADduct) and DAB (Dorsal interossei ABduct), and logic will tell you where these muscles must insert (Latin, inter = between + os = bone)
lumbricals (foot)
tendons of the flexor digitorum longus
medial side of the extensor expansion of digits 2-5
flex the metatarsophalangeal joint, extend the proximal interphalangeal
& distal interphalangeal joints of digits 2-5
medial (1st) lumbrical: medial plantar nerve; lateral three lumbricals:
lateral plantar nerve
medial and lateral plantar aa.
the lumbricals of the foot have the same action on the toes that the lumbricals in the hand have on the fingers (Latin, lumbricus = earthworm)
obturator externus
the external surface of the obturator membrane and the superior and inferior
pubic rami
trochanteric fossa of the femur
laterally rotates the thigh
obturator nerve
obturator a.
the tendon of the obturator externus m. passes inferior to the neck of the
femur to reach its insertion site
obturator internus
the internal surface of the obturator membrane and margin of the obturator
foramen
greater trochanter on its medial surface above the trochanteric fossa
laterally rotates and abducts the thigh
nerve to the obturator internus m.
obturator a.
the obturator internus m. leaves the pelvis by passing through the lesser
sciatic foramen; the superior and inferior gemellus mm. insert on the obturator
internus tendon
pectineus
pecten of the pubis
pectineal line of the femur
adducts, flexes, and medially rotates the thigh
femoral nerve and possibly the anterior division of the obturator nerve
medial femoral circumflex a.
pectineus often has a dual innervation
peroneus mm. (SEE fibularis mm.)
peroneus is the old terminology used for the fibularis mm.
piriformis
anterior surface of sacrum
upper border of greater trochanter of femur
laterally rotates and abducts thigh
ventral rami of S1-S2
piriformis leaves the pelvis by passing through the greater sciatic foramen
plantar interosseous
base and medial side of metatarsals 3-5
bases of proximal phalanges and extensor expansions of digits 3-5
adduct digits 3-5 (move these digits toward the midline of the foot as defined by the second digit),flex metatarsophalangeal and extend interphalangeal joints of digits 3-5
deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve
plantar metatarsal aa.
remember PAD (Plantar interossei ADduct) and DAB (Dorsal interossei ABduct), and logic will tell you where these muscles must insert (Latin, inter = between + os = bone)
plantaris
above the lateral femoral condyle (above the lateral head of gastrocnemius)
dorsum of the calcaneus medial to the calcaneal tendon
flexes the leg; plantar flexes the foot
tibial nerve
popliteal a.
plantaris has a long slender tendon that is equivalent to the tendon of
the palmaris longus m. of the arm; its tendon is often called the "freshman
nerve" because it is often misidentified by the freshman medical student
popliteus
lateral condyle of the femur
posterior surface of the tibia above soleal line
flexes and rotates the leg medially (with the foot planted, it rotates the
thigh laterally)
tibial nerve
popliteal a.
has a round tendon of origin; popliteus unlocks the knee joint to initiate
flexion of the leg
psoas major
bodies and transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae
lesser trochanter of femur (with iliacus) via iliopsoas tendon
flexes the thigh; flexes & laterally bends the lumbar vertebral column
branches of the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L2-L4
subcostal a., lumbar aa.
the genitofemoral nerve pierces the anterior surface of the psoas major m. (Latin, psoas = the muscles of the loins)
psoas minor
bodies of the T12 & L1 vertebrae
iliopubic eminence at the line of junction of the ilium and the superior
pubic ramus
flexes & laterally bends the lumbar vertebral column
branches of the ventral primary rams of spinal nerves L1-L2
lumbar aa.
absent in 40% of cases (Latin, psoas = the muscles of the loins)
quadratus femoris
lateral border of the ischial tuberosity
quadrate line of the femur below the intertrochanteric crest
laterally rotates the thigh
nerve to the quadratus femoris m.
inferior gluteal a.
the nerve to the quadratus femoris m. also innervates the inferior gemellus
m.
quadratus plantae
anterior portion of the calcaneus and the long plantar ligament
tendons of the flexor digitorum longus m.
assists the flexor digitorum longus in flexing the toes
lateral plantar nerve
lateral plantar a.
the quadratus plantae m. changes the line of force of the flexor digitorum longus m. to bring it in line with the long axis of the foot (Latin, quadratus = square)
quadriceps femoris
anterior surface of the femur and the anterior side of the medial and lateral
intermuscular septa
tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligament
extends the knee; rectus femoris flexes the thigh
femoral nerve
lateral circumflex femoral a., deep femoral a.
composed of 4 muscles: rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius
and vastus medialis
rectus femoris
straight head: anterior inferior iliac spine; reflected head: above the
superior rim of the acetabulum
patella and tibial tuberosity (via the patellar ligament)
extends the leg, flexes the thigh
femoral nerve
lateral circumflex femoral a.
rectus femoris is part of the quadriceps femoris muscle
sartorius
anterior superior iliac spine
medial surface of the tibia (pes anserinus)
flexes, abducts and laterally rotates the thigh; flexes leg
femoral nerve
lateral femoral circumflex a., saphenous a.
its actions put the lower limb in the traditional cross-legged seated position of a tailor (Latin, sartorius = tailor)
semimembranosus
upper, outer surface of the ischial tuberosity
medial condyle of the tibia
extends the thigh, flexes the leg
tibial nerve
perforating branches of the deep femoral a.
one of the "hamstring" muscles
semitendinosus
lower, medial surface of ischial tuberosity (common tendon with biceps femoris
m.)
medial surface of tibia (via pes anserinus)
extends the thigh, flexes the leg
tibial nerve
perforating branches of the deep femoral a.
pes anserinus is the common insertion for the gracilis, sartorius, and semitendinosus
mm.
soleus
posterior surface of head and upper shaft of the fibula, soleal line of
the tibia
dorsum of the calcaneus via the calcaneal (Achilles') tendon
plantar flexes the foot
tibial nerve
posterior tibial a.
soleus and the 2 heads of gastrocnemius are sometimes called the triceps surae muscle
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:The contents are under continuing development and improvements and despite all efforts may contain errors of omission or fact. This is not to be used for the assessment, diagnosis or management of patients. It should not be regarded as medical advice by healthcare workers or laypeople. It is for educational purposes only. Please adhere to your local protocols. Use the BNF for drug information. If you are unwell please seek urgent healthcare advice. If you do not accept this then please do not use the website. Makindo Ltd |
Anatomy of the Muscles of the Lower Limb
-
| About | Anaesthetics and Critical Care | Anatomy | Basic Science | Biochemistry | Cardiology | Cases | Clinical Cases | Crib | Dentistry | Dermatology | Differentials | Drugs | ENT | Electrocardiogram | Embryology | Emergency Medicine | Endocrinology | Ethics | Foundation Doctors | Gastroenterology | General Information | General Practice | Genetics | Geriatric Medicine | Guidelines | Haematology | Hepatology | Immunology | Infectious Disease | Infectious Diseases | Infographic | Investigations | Lists | Microbiology | Miscellaneous | Nephrology | Neuroanatomy | Neurology | Nutrition | OSCE | Obstetrics Gynaecology | Oncology | Ophthalmology | Oral Medicine | Paediatrics | Palliative | Pathology | Pharmacology | Physiology | Procedures | Psychiatry | Radiology | Research | Respiratory | Resuscitation | Rheumatology | Statistics | Stroke | Surgery | Surgical | Toxicology | Trauma and Orthopaedics | Twitter | Urology | Version Jan 2023