Anatomical Areas

Overview

The lower limb contains several defined spaces that act as pathways for neurovascular structures and guide clinical examination. This section introduces key anatomical areas, providing a framework for understanding how different regions connect.

Key Structures

Topics include the femoral triangle, adductor canal, popliteal fossa, gluteal region and tarsal tunnel. Articles describe their boundaries, contents and relationships with surrounding muscles, vessels and nerves.

Clinical Relevance and Learning Focus

Knowledge of these spaces is essential for interpreting vascular compromise, nerve entrapment and trauma. The content supports practical skills such as pulse assessment, nerve block planning and surface anatomy identification.

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Illustration of the anatomical contents of the femoral triangle, including key structures labeled.

The Femoral Triangle

Illustration depicting the anatomical borders of the femoral canal.

The Femoral Canal

Cross-section of the thigh highlighting the borders of the adductor canal, excluding the adductor magnus.

The Adductor Canal

Illustration showing the anatomical borders of the popliteal fossa formed by thigh and leg muscles.

The Popliteal Fossa

Diagram illustrating the roof of the tarsal tunnel formed by the flexor retinaculum, highlighting its extensions from the medial malleolus to the medial tubercle of the calcaneus.

The Tarsal Tunnel

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Diagram of the dorsal column medial lemniscal pathway, illustrating its role in transmitting proprioception, fine touch, and vibration sensations.
Pathways in the Central Nervous System

The Ascending Tracts

by Dr Oliver Jones

Illustration of the muscles of the medial thigh with anterior compartment muscles removed, highlighting the adductor group.
Encyclopaedia

Adductor Longus

by Dr Oliver Jones

Diagram illustrating the course and branches of the infraorbital nerve, including the inferior palpebral and superior labial nerves.
Encyclopaedia

Superior Labial Nerve

by Melissa Phu