The #1 platform to learn anatomy

6,126,240 users worldwide

Exam success since 2011

Serving healthcare students globally

Reviewed by medical experts

2,907 articles, quizzes and videos

CoursesAnatomyLower limbOverviewMain muscles of the lower limb

CoursesAnatomyLower limbOverviewMain muscles of the lower limb

Main muscles of the lower limb

Learning objectives

After completing this study unit you will be able to:

Identify the muscle groups of the lower limb.
Understand key facts about the main muscles of the lower limb and their functions.
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.

Take a quiz

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

To adjust your focus and choose the topics you’ll get quizzed on, try out our customizable quiz.

Browse atlas

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

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

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

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!