Posterior Leg

Question 1

Name the muscles in the deep compartment (4)

Answer 1

Popliteus
Flexor hallicus longus
Flexor digitorum longus
Tibialis posterior

Question 2

What nerve supplies the deep compartment?

Answer 2

Tibial nerve (L4-S3 i.e. branch of sciatic)

Question 3

Describe the relationship of the tendons of the deep posterior compartment muscles as they pass posteriorly to the medial malleolus and under the flexor retinaculum
Clue: Tom Dick ANd Harry

Answer 3

Anteriorly to posteriorly:
Tibialis posterior tendon
Flexor digitorum longus tendon
Posterior tibial artery
Tibial nerve
Flexor hallucis longus

Question 4

Name the muscles in the superior compartment of the posterior leg (3)

Answer 4

Gastrocnemius (medial and lateral heads)
Soleus
Plantaris

Question 5

What is the origin and insertion of the gastrocnemius?

Answer 5

Origin: Femoral condyles (medial and lateral)
Insertion: Calcaneus via calcaneal tendon

Question 6

What is the origin and insertion of the soleus?

Answer 6

Origin: Posterior aspect of tibia and fibula
Insertion: Calcaneus via calcaneal tendon

Question 7

What is the origin and insertion of the plantaris?

Answer 7

Origin: Lateral femoral condyle
Insertion: Calcaneus via calcaneal tendon

Question 8

What is the innervation of the superior compartment?

Answer 8

Tibial nerve

Question 9

What is the main action of the superior compartment?

Answer 9

Plantarflex the ankle

Question 10

What separates the deep and superficial compartments?

Answer 10

Transverse intermuscular septum