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AnatomyLower limbOverview
Table of contents

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Main muscles of the lower limb

Learning objectives

After completing this study unit you will be able to:

  1. Identify the muscle groups of the lower limb.
  2. Understand key facts about the main muscles of the lower limb and their functions.
  3. Appreciate the anatomical relationships between those muscles.

Watch video

The muscles of the lower limb are organized into four groups:

  • Muscles of the hip
  • Muscles of the thigh
  • Muscles of the leg 
  • Muscles of the foot

These muscles act on the joints of the lower limb to enable the locomotion of our body. Each muscle group is respectively divided into subgroups, based on the location and specific actions of those muscles.

This video tutorial will introduce you to the anatomy and functions of the main muscles of the lower limb.

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Take our quiz to consolidate what you learned about this topic and resolve any potential weak spots.

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Custom quiz: Muscles of the lower limb For a broader topic focus, try this customizable quiz.

Browse atlas

Review the muscles of the hip and thigh in the gallery below.

Iliopsoas muscle
Musculus iliopsoas
1/16
Synonyms: Hyrti's muscle, Musculus iliopsoae

Now let's take a look at the muscles of the leg and foot.

Tibialis anterior muscle
Musculus tibialis anterior
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Synonyms: Anterior tibialis

Summary

Key points about the main muscles of the lower extremity
Muscles of the hip and thigh Groups of muscles: Superficial gluteal muscles, inner hip muscles, anterior compartment of thigh, posterior compartment of thigh, medial compartment of thigh
Movements at the hip joint: Flexion, extension, internal rotation, external rotation, abduction, adduction
Movements at the knee joint: Flexion, extension, internal rotation, external rotation
Muscles of the leg and foot Groups of muscles: Anterior compartment of leg, lateral compartment of leg, posterior compartment of leg, medial plantar muscles, central plantar muscles, lateral plantar muscles, dorsal foot muscles
Movements at the ankle and subtalar joint: Dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, eversion, abduction, adduction
Movements at the toe joints: Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction

Well done!

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Lower limb anatomy Read article
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Learn the muscles of the leg fast with these quizzes, diagrams and labeling exercises Read article

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