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AnatomyLower limbOverview
Main muscles of the lower limb

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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:

  1. Identify the muscle groups of the lower limb.
  2. Learn the key facts about the main muscles of the lower limb and their functions.
  3. Understand 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 and 
  • 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.

Browse atlas

Review the anatomy of each muscle with our atlas galleries.

Muscles of the hip and thigh

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, plantar flexion, inversion, eversion, abduction, adduction
Movements the toe joints: Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction

Well done!

Related articles

Lower extremity anatomy Read article
3D muscle anatomy videos Read article
Learn the muscles of the leg fast with these quizzes, diagrams and labeling exercises Read article

Continue learning

Now that you’ve gotten familiar with the main muscle groups, continue your learning by focusing on individual muscle groups:

Muscles of the hip and thigh Explore study unit
Muscles of the leg Explore study unit
Muscles of the foot Explore study unit

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