Muscles of the Lower Limb

Overview

Lower limb muscles support posture, propulsion and fine control of the foot. This section covers the major muscle groups that enable standing, walking and running.

Key Structures

Topics include gluteal muscles, thigh compartments, leg compartments and intrinsic foot muscles. Each article outlines attachments, functions and innervation in a clear, structured format.

Clinical Relevance and Learning Focus

Understanding muscular anatomy assists in assessing gait abnormalities, nerve injuries and compartment syndromes. The section links muscle groups to movement patterns and clinical examination.

+ Read more
Ovoid hiatus of the fascia lata diagram.

The Fascia Lata

Illustration of the superficial muscles of the gluteal region, showing the gluteus maximus and medius partially removed.

The Gluteal Region

Cross-section diagram of the anterior thigh muscles, excluding the iliopsoas and pectineus, highlighting muscle anatomy.

The Thigh

  • Medial Compartment
  • Anterior Compartment
  • +1 more
Illustration of the superficial layer muscles in the posterior leg, showing the gastrocnemius with part of its body removed to reveal underlying muscles.

The Leg

  • Posterior Compartment
  • Anterior Compartment
  • +1 more
Illustration of the dorsal layer of foot muscles, including the extensor digitorum brevis and extensor hallucis brevis.

The Foot

Popular

Diagram illustrating the circumflex scapular artery passing through the triangular space into the posterior scapular region.
Anatomical Areas

The Triangular Space

by Dr Oliver Jones

Illustration of the dorsal and palmar interossei muscles in the hand.
Encyclopaedia

Palmar Interossei (Hand)

by Dr Oliver Jones

Anatomical diagram illustrating the course and branches of the pudendal nerve.
Encyclopaedia

Perineal Nerve

by Janani Lambotharan