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3D muscle anatomy videos
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The benefits of learning anatomy using 3D models has been debated at length over the past few years, with many studies proving that it’s not always what it’s been cracked up to be! That being said, there is one area of anatomy study where teachers and students alike agree that using 3D animations work best: learning muscle anatomy and function.
At Kenhub, we completely agree! 3D anatomy provides us with the most efficient and optimal means of learning muscle anatomy. That's why we made it our mission to provide the very best 3D muscle anatomy videos for our users.
2D vs. 3D Anatomy
When it comes to learning about the anatomy and functions of muscles, 3D anatomical models surpass 2D learning experiences for one primary reason:
Muscles help us move, and movement occurs in a three dimensional plane.
Logically, it only makes sense that if we want to learn about muscle anatomy and function, we also need to look at them using a 3D perspective.
In case you need more convincing, let's now take a look at the benefits of 3D in a little more depth.
Benefits of 3D anatomy
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- It gives us a better appreciation for the exact attachment points (i.e. origins and insertions), size and shape of each muscle. Learn the form, understand the function!
- 3D anatomy allows us to better appreciate the interrelationships between muscle and joint. This helps us better understand how a muscle acts upon a joint.
- 2D learning is limited in that it cannot demonstrate muscle function. Our videos allow you to visualise the specific direction and range of motion for each motion as we discuss it.
Why are Kenhub 3D anatomy videos better?
In our videos, we guide you through the anatomy and functions of each muscle of the lower limb in a logical and structured manner. The result? You'll learn the maximum amount of detail in the least amount of time.
3D anatomy model
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While watching our videos, you get to enjoy one of the most detailed and visually impressive 3D models available, which has been designed by a skilled team of anatomy experts and talented 3D artists.
It has been developed as one of the most accurate and biomechanically correct presentations of muscle anatomy. This allows you to get the best appreciation of the attachments and morphology of each muscle.
Contents of Kenhub's 3D muscle videos
What can you expect from the 3D muscle anatomy videos at Kenhub? In each video, we walk you through:
- The attachment points i.e. origin and insertion points of a muscle, including details on variations of attachment, where relevant.
- Reminder of where the muscle receives its nerve supply, or innervation from.
- Review of the specific joints affected by the muscle.
- Comprehensive description of each function of the muscle.
- Real life examples of the functions, allowing you apply your knowledge in a practical setting.
Overall, nothing beats learning about muscle function in an interactive way. Seeing muscles move in real time, contracting, relaxing, twisting and turning from every angle in HD quality is a learning experience that just can't be matched by a textbook.
Lower limb muscles in 3D
Do you want to learn about the functions of the lower limb muscles the way they are supposed to be learned - in other words, by seeing them move in real time?
Using high quality and anatomically accurate 3D animated models, in the following articles you can see videos for the entire lower limb and dissects it layer-by-layer, all the way from the mighty quadriceps down to the tiny lumbricals. No stone (or shall we say muscle) is left unturned.
Muscles of the hip and gluteal region
Iliopsoas muscle 3D video:
| Origin |
Iliacus: Iliac fossa Psoas major: Vertebral bodies of T12-L4, Intervertebral discs between T12-L4, Costal processes of L1-L5 vertebrae |
| Insertion | Lesser trochanter of femur |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh/trunk flexion, Thigh external rotation; Trunk lateral flexion (Psoas major/minor only) |
| Innervation |
Iliacus: Femoral nerve (L2-L4) Psoas major: Anterior rami of spinal nerves L1-L3 |
Psoas minor 3D video:
| Origin | Vertebral bodies of T12 & L1 vertebrae |
| Insertion | Iliopubic eminence, Pectineal line of pubis |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh/trunk flexion, Thigh external rotation; Trunk lateral flexion |
| Innervation | Anterior rami of spinal nerves L1 |
Gluteus maximus muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Lateroposterior surface of sacrum and coccyx, Gluteal surface of ilium (behind posterior gluteal line), Thoracolumbar fascia, Sacrotuberous ligament |
| Insertion | Iliotibial tract, Gluteal tuberosity of femur |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh extension, Thigh external rotation, Thigh abduction (superior part), Thigh adduction (inferior part) |
| Innervation | Inferior gluteal nerve (L5-S2) |
Gluteus medius muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Gluteal surface of ilium (between anterior and posterior gluteal lines) |
| Insertion | Lateral aspect of greater trochanter of femur |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh abduction, Thigh internal rotation (anterior part); Pelvis stabilization |
| Innervation | Superior gluteal nerve (L4-S1) |
Gluteus minimus muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Gluteal surface of ilium (between anterior and inferior gluteal lines) |
| Insertion | Anterior aspect of greater trochanter of femur |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh abduction, Thigh internal rotation (anterior part); Pelvis stabilization |
| Innervation | Superior gluteal nerve (L4-S1) |
Tensor fasciae latae muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), Outer lip of iliac crest |
| Insertion | Iliotibial tract |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh internal rotation, (Weak abduction); Knee joint: Leg external rotation, (Weak leg flexion/extension); Stabilises hip & knee joints |
| Innervation | Superior gluteal nerve (L4-S1) |
Piriformis muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Anterior surface of the sacrum (between the S2 and S4), Gluteal surface of ilium (near posterior inferior iliac spine), (Sacrotuberous ligament) |
| Insertion | Apex of greater trochanter of femur |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh external rotation, Thigh abduction (from flexed hip); Stabilises head of femur in acetabulum |
| Innervation | Nerve to piriformis (S1-S2) |
Gemelli muscles 3D video:
| Origin |
Superior gemellus: Ischial spine Inferior gemellus: Ischial tuberosity |
| Insertion | Medial surface of greater trochanter of femur (via tendon of obturator internus) |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh external rotation, Thigh abduction (from flexed hip); Stabilises head of femur in acetabulum |
| Innervation |
Superior gemellus: Nerve to obturator internus (L5, S1) Inferior gemellus: Nerve to quadratus femoris (L4-S1) |
Quadratus femoris muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Ischial tuberosity |
| Insertion | Intertrochanteric crest of femur |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh external rotation; Stabilises head of femur in acetabulum |
| Innervation | Nerve to quadratus femoris (L4-S1) |
Obturator internus muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Ischiopubic ramus, Posterior surface of obturator membrane |
| Insertion | Medial surface of greater trochanter of femur |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh external rotation, Thigh abduction (from flexed hip); Stabilises head of femur in acetabulum |
| Innervation | Nerve to obturator internus (L5, S1) |
Obturator externus muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Anterior surface of obturator membrane, Bony boundaries of obturator foramen |
| Insertion | Trochanteric fossa of femur |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh external rotation, Thigh abduction (from flexed hip); Stabilises head of femur in acetabulum |
| Innervation | Obturator nerve (L3, L4) |
Muscles of the thigh
We begin with the muscles of the thigh, which are responsible for movements on the hip and knee joints.
Anterior compartment
Quadriceps femoris muscle 3D videos:
| Origin | Anterior inferior iliac spine, Supraacetabular groove |
| Insertion | Tibial tuberosity (via patellar ligament), Patella |
| Actions |
Hip joint: Thigh flexion; Knee joint: Leg extension
|
| Innervation | Femoral nerve (L2-L4) |
| Origin | Anterior surface of femoral shaft |
| Insertion | Tibial tuberosity (via patellar ligament), Patella |
| Actions | Knee joint: Leg extension |
| Innervation | Femoral nerve (L2-L4) |
| Origin | Linea aspera of femur, Greater trochanter of femur |
| Insertion | Tibial tuberosity (via patellar ligament), Patella, (Lateral condyle of tibia) |
| Actions | Knee joint: Leg extension |
| Innervation | Femoral nerve (L2-L4) |
| Origin | Intertrochanteric line, Spiral line and linea aspera, Medial supracondylar line of femur |
| Insertion | Tibial tuberosity (via patellar ligament), Patella, (Medial condyle of tibia) |
| Actions | Knee joint: Leg extension |
| Innervation | Femoral nerve (L2-L4) |
Sartorius muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) |
| Insertion | Proximal end of tibia below medial condyle (via pes anserinus) |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh flexion, Thigh abduction, Thigh external rotation; Knee joint: Leg flexion, Leg internal rotation |
| Innervation | Femoral nerve (L2-L4) |
Posterior compartment
Semitendinosus muscle 3D video:
| Origin | (Posteromedial impression of) Ischial tuberosity |
| Insertion | Proximal end of tibia below medial condyle (via pes anserinus) |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh extension, Thigh internal rotation; Knee joint: Leg flexion, Leg internal rotation; Stabilises pelvis |
| Innervation | Tibial division of sciatic nerve (L5-S2) |
Semimembranosus muscle 3D video:
| Origin | (Superolateral impression of) Ischial tuberosity |
| Insertion | Medial condyle of tibia |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh extension, Thigh internal rotation; Knee joint: Leg flexion, Leg internal rotation; Stabilises pelvis |
| Innervation | Tibial division of sciatic nerve (L5-S2) |
Biceps femoris muscle 3D video:
| Origin |
Long head: (Inferomedial impression of) Ischial tuberosity, Sacrotuberous ligament Short head: Linea aspera of femur (lateral lip), Lateral supracondylar line of femur |
| Insertion | (Lateral aspect of) Head of fibula |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh extension, Thigh external rotation; Knee joint: Leg flexion, Leg external rotation; Stabilises pelvis |
| Innervation |
Long head: Tibial division of sciatic nerve (L5-S2) Short head: Common fibular division of sciatic nerve (L5-S2) |
Adductor muscles
Pectineus muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Superior pubic ramus (Pectineal line of pubis) |
| Insertion | Pectineal line of femur, Linea aspera of femur |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh flexion, Thigh adduction, Thigh external rotation, Thigh internal rotation; Pelvis stabilization |
| Innervation | Femoral nerve (L2, L3), (Obturator nerve (L2, L3)) |
Adductor longus muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Anterior body of pubis |
| Insertion | Linea aspera of femur (medial lip) |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh flexion, Thigh adduction, Thigh external rotation; Pelvis stabilization |
| Innervation | Obturator nerve (L2-L4) |
Adductor brevis muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Anterior body of pubis, Inferior pubic ramus |
| Insertion | Linea aspera of femur (medial lip) |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh flexion, Thigh adduction, Thigh external rotation; Pelvis stabilization |
| Innervation | Obturator nerve (L2-L4) |
Adductor magnus muscle 3D video:
| Origin |
Adductor part: Inferior pubic ramus, Ischial ramus Ischiocondylar part: Ischial tuberosity |
| Insertion |
Adductor part: Gluteal tuberosity, Linea aspera (medial lip), Medial supracondylar line Ischiocondylar part: Adductor tubercle of femur |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh flexion, Thigh adduction, Thigh external rotation (adductor part), Thigh extension, Thigh internal rotation (ischiocondylar part); Pelvis stabilization |
| Innervation |
Adductor part: Obturator nerve (L2-L4) Ischiocondylar part: Tibial division of sciatic nerve (L4) |
Adductor minimus muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Inferior pubic ramus |
| Insertion | Gluteal tuberosity of femur |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh adduction, Thigh external rotation |
| Innervation | Obturator nerve (L2-L4) |
Gracilis muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Anterior body of pubis, Inferior pubic ramus, Ischial ramus |
| Insertion | Medial surface of proximal tibia (via pes anserinus) |
| Actions | Hip joint: Thigh flexion, Thigh adduction; Knee joint: Leg flexion, Leg internal rotation |
| Innervation | Obturator nerve (L2-L3) |
Muscles of the leg
Then we’ll move below the knee to the muscles of the leg, which are the only muscles able to move our ankle joint.
Posterior compartment
Gastrocnemius muscle 3D video:
| Origin |
Lateral head: Posterolateral surface of lateral femoral condyle Medial head: Posterior surface of medial femoral condyle, Popliteal surface of femoral shaft |
| Insertion | Posterior surface of calcaneus (via calcaneal tendon) |
| Actions | Talocrural joint: Foot plantar flexion; Knee joint: Leg flexion |
| Innervation | Tibial nerve (S1, S2) |
Soleus muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Soleal line, Medial border of tibia, Head of fibula, Posterior border of fibula |
| Insertion | Posterior surface of calcaneus (via calcaneal tendon) |
| Actions | Talocrural joint: Foot plantar flexion |
| Innervation | Tibial nerve (S1, S2) |
Popliteus muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Lateral femoral condyle, Posterior horn of lateral meniscus of knee joint |
| Insertion | Posterior surface of proximal tibia |
| Actions | Unlocks knee joint; Knee joint stabilization |
| Innervation | Tibial nerve (L5-S2) |
Plantaris muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Lateral supracondylar line of femur, Oblique popliteal ligament of knee |
| Insertion | Posterior surface of calcaneus (via calcaneal tendon) |
| Actions | Talocrural joint: Foot plantar flexion; Knee joint: Knee flexion |
| Innervation | Tibial nerve (S1, S2) |
Tibialis posterior muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Posterior surface of tibia, Posterior surface of fibula, Interosseous membrane |
| Insertion | Tuberosity of navicular bone, All cuneiform bones, Bases of metatarsal bones 2-4, (Cuboid bone) |
| Actions | Talocrural joint: Foot plantar flexion; Subtalar joint: Foot inversion; Supports medial longitudinal arch of foot |
| Innervation | Tibial nerve (L4, L5) |
Flexor digitorum longus muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Posterior surface of tibia (inferior to soleal line) |
| Insertion | Bases of distal phalanges of digits 2-5 |
| Actions | Metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints 2-5: Toe flexion; Talocrural joint: Foot plantar flexion; Subtalar joint: Foot inversion |
| Innervation | Tibial nerve (L5-S2) |
Flexor hallucis longus muscle 3D video:
| Origin | (Distal 2/3 of) Posterior surface of fibula, Interosseous membrane, Posterior intermuscular septum, Fascia of tibialis posterior muscle |
| Insertion | Base of distal phalanx of great toe |
| Actions | Metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joint 1: Toe flexion; Talocrural joint: Foot plantar flexion; Subtalar joint: Foot inversion |
| Innervation | Tibial nerve (S2, S3) |
Anterior compartment
Tibialis anterior muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Lateral tibial condyle, Proximal half of lateral surface of tibia, Interosseous membrane |
| Insertion | Medial cuneiform bone, Base of metatarsal bone 1 |
| Actions | Talocrural joint: Foot dorsiflexion; Subtalar joint: Foot inversion; Supports medial longitudinal arch of foot |
| Innervation | Deep fibular nerve (L4, L5) |
Extensor digitorum longus muscle 3D video:
| Origin | (Proximal half of) Medial surface of fibula, Lateral tibial condyle, Interosseous membrane |
| Insertion | Distal and middle phalanges of digits 2-5 |
| Actions | Metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints 2-5: Toe extension; Talocrural joint: Foot dorsiflexion; Subtalar joint: Foot eversion |
| Innervation | Deep fibular nerve (L5, S1) |
Extensor hallucis longus muscle 3D video:
| Origin | (Middle third of) Medial surface of fibula, Interosseous membrane |
| Insertion | Base of distal phalanx of great toe |
| Actions | Metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joint 1: Toe extension; Talocrural joint: Foot dorsiflexion |
| Innervation | Deep fibular nerve (L4, L5) |
Lateral compartment
Fibularis (peroneus) longus muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Head of fibula, Proximal 2/3 of lateral surface of fibula, Anterior and posterior intermuscular septa |
| Insertion | Medial cuneiform bone, Metatarsal bone 1 |
| Actions | Talocrural joint: Foot plantar flexion; Subtalar joint: Foot eversion; Supports longitudinal and transverse arches of foot |
| Innervation | Superficial fibular nerve (L5, S1) |
Fibularis (peroneus) brevis muscle 3D video:
| Origin | Distal 2/3 of lateral surface of fibula, Anterior intermuscular septum |
| Insertion | Tuberosity of metatarsal bone 5 |
| Actions | Talocrural joint: Foot plantar flexion; Subtalar joint: Foot eversion |
| Innervation | Superficial fibular nerve (L5, S1) |
Muscles of the foot
And finally, we’re going to finish up with the small muscles of the foot, which are responsible for moving our toes, and supporting the shape of our foot.
Central plantar muscles of the foot 3D video:
| Origin | Medial process of calcaneal tuberosity, Plantar aponeurosis |
| Insertion | Middle phalanges of digits 2-5 |
| Actions | Metatarsophalangeal joints 2-5: Toe flexion; Supports longitudinal arch of foot |
| Innervation | Medial plantar nerve (S1-S3) |
| Origin | Medial surface of calcaneus bone, Lateral process of calcaneal tuberosity |
| Insertion | Tendon of flexor digitorum longus |
| Actions | Metatarsophalangeal joints 2-5: Toe flexion |
| Innervation | Lateral plantar nerve (S1-S3) |
| Origin | Tendons of flexor digitorum longus |
| Insertion | Medial bases of proximal phalanges and extensor expansion of digits 2-5 |
| Actions | Metatarsophalangeal joints 2-5: Toe flexion, Toes adduction; Interphalangeal joints 2-5: Toes extension |
| Innervation | Lumbrical 1: Medial plantar nerve (S2, S3); Lumbricals 2-4: Lateral plantar nerve (S2-S3) |
| Origin | Medial aspects of metatarsal bones 3-5 |
| Insertion | Medial bases of proximal phalanges and extensor expansion of digits 3-5 |
| Actions | Metatarsophalangeal joints 3-5: Toe flexion, Toes adduction; Interphalangeal joints 3-5: Toes extension |
| Innervation | Lateral plantar nerve (S2-S3) |
| Origin | Opposing sides of metatarsal bones 1-5 |
| Insertion | 1: Medial base of proximal phalanx of digit 2; 2-4: Lateral bases of proximal phalanges and extensor expansion of digits 2-4 |
| Actions | Metatarsophalangeal joints 2-4: Toe flexion, Toe abduction; Interphalangeal joints 2-4: Toe extension |
| Innervation | Lateral plantar nerve (S2-S3) |
Lateral plantar muscles of the foot 3D video:
| Origin | Calcaneal tuberosity, Plantar aponeurosis |
| Insertion | Base of proximal phalanx of digit 5, Metatarsal bone 5 |
| Actions | Metatarsophalangeal joint 5: Toe abduction, Toe flexion; Supports longitudinal arch of foot |
| Innervation | Lateral plantar nerve (S1-S3) |
| Origin | Base of metatarsal bone 5, Long plantar ligament |
| Insertion | Base of proximal phalanx of digit 5 |
| Actions | Metatarsophalangeal joint 5: Toe flexion |
| Innervation | Lateral plantar nerve (S2-S3) |
| Origin | Long plantar ligament, Base of metatarsal bone 5, Tendon sheath of fibularis longus |
| Insertion | Lateral border of metatarsal bone 5 |
| Actions | Metatarsophalangeal joint 5: Toe abduction, Toe flexion |
| Innervation | Lateral plantar nerve (S2-S3) |
Medial plantar muscles of the foot 3D video:
| Origin | Medial process of calcaneal tuberosity, Flexor retinaculum, Plantar aponeurosis |
| Insertion | Base of proximal phalanx of great toe |
| Actions | Metatarsophalangeal joint 1: Toe abduction, Toe flexion; Support of longitudinal arch of foot |
| Innervation | Medial plantar nerve (S1-S3) |
| Origin | Tendon of tibialis posterior, Medial cuneiform bone, Lateral cuneiform bone, Cuboid bone |
| Insertion | Lateral and medial aspects of base of proximal phalanx of great toe |
| Actions | Metatarsophalangeal joint 1: Toe flexion; Support of longitudinal arch of foot |
| Innervation | Medial plantar nerve (S1, S2) |
| Origin |
Oblique head: Bases of metatarsal bones 2-4, Cuboid bone, Lateral cuneiform bone, Tendon of fibularis longus muscle Transverse head: Plantar metatarsophalangeal & deep transverse metatarsal ligaments of toes 3-5 |
| Insertion | Lateral aspect of base of proximal phalanx of great toe |
| Actions | Metatarsophalangeal joint 1: Toe adduction, Toe flexion; Support of longitudinal and transverse arches of foot |
| Innervation | Lateral plantar nerve (S2, S3) |
Dorsal muscles of the foot 3D video:
| Origin | Superolateral surface of calcaneus bone, Interosseous talocalcaneal ligament, Stem of inferior extensor retinaculum |
| Insertion | Extensor digitorum longus tendons of toes 2-4 |
| Actions | Distal interphalangeal joints 2-4: Toe extension |
| Innervation | Deep fibular/peroneal nerve (L5, S1) |
| Origin | Superolateral surface of calcaneus bone |
| Insertion | Proximal phalanx of great toe |
| Actions | Metatarsophalangeal joint 1: Toe extension |
| Innervation | Deep fibular/peroneal nerve (L5, S1) |
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