AnatomyLower limbOverview

Main muscles of the lower limb: want to learn more about it?

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Main muscles of the lower limb

Learning objectives

This comprehensive study unit will help you to:

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

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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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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

Well done!

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Continue learning

Now that you’re familiar with the main muscle groups, continue your learning on the lower limb with the study units below.