Muscles of the Leg (Deep Posterior Compartment)

Question 1

List all of the muscles contained within the Deep Posterior compartment of the leg

Answer 1

Popliteus

Flexor Hallucis Longus

Flexor Digitorum Longus

Tibialis Posterior

Question 2

Detail the Characteristics of Popliteus Muscle

Answer 2

Popliteus

• Origin - Lateral Condoyle of the Femur
• Insertion - Posterior surface of the Proximal Tibia
• Innervation - Tibial Nevre
• Function - Unlocks the knee joint Stabalizes the knee

Question 3

Detail the Characteristics of Flexor Hallucis Longus Muscle

Answer 3

Flexor Hallucis Longus

• Origin - Posterior surface of the Fibula (Distal 2/3) Interosseous Membrane
• Insertion - Plantar surface at the base of the Distal phalanx of Hallux
• Innervation - Tibial Nerve
• Function - Toe Flexion at MTP and IP joint and Subtalar foot Inversion

Question 4

What is Interosseous Membrane

Answer 4

Thick dense sheet of connective tissue which spans the space between 2 bones forming syndesmosis joint

Question 5

Detail the Characteristics of Flexor Digitorum Longus

Answer 5

Flexor Digitorum Longus

• Origin - From the Posterior surface of the Tibia (Medial side) inferior to the Soleal line
• Insertion - Bases of Distal Phalanges Digits 2-5
• Innervation - Tibial Nerve
• Function - Toe Flexion of Digits 2-5 at MTP and IP Joints

Question 6

Detail the Characteristics of Tibialis Posterior

Answer 6

Tibialis Posterior

• Origin - Posterior surfaces of Tibia and Fibula and Interosseous membrane
• Insertion - Mainly Tuberosity of Navicular and adjacent region of the Medial Cuneiform
• Innervation - Tibial Nerve
• Function - Inversion and Plantarflexion of the foot as well as supporting Medial Arch of the foot