Posterior leg Flashcards
What makes the triceps surae?
Soleus
2 heads of gastrocnemius
Muscles of superficial posterior leg
Gastrocnemius (medial and lateral belly, superficial)
Soleus
Plantaris
muscles of deep posterior leg
Popliteus Tibialis posterior (central) Flexor digitorum longus (medial) Flexor hallucis longus (lateral)
ankle insertions of deep posterior leg muscles
TOM DICK AND VERY NERVOUS HARRY
(anterior to posterior)
tibialis posterior
flexor digitorum longus
neurovascular bundle
flexor hallucis longus
neurovascular bundle deep posterior leg
posterior tibial vein and artery
tibial nerve
Good aspect of structure of bundle posterior leg
sits intermediate between deep and superficial
short branches for supply
Main posterior leg functions
flexors of knee and plantar flexion (dependent on where they cross)
Flexor digitorum longus
Origin: Tibia (medial)
Insert: plantar surface of last 4 digits
Function: flexes lateral 4 toes
Innervation: tibial nerve
Tibialis posterior
Origin: Interosseous membrane
Insert: Plantar surface of medial tarsal
Action: Inverts and plantarflexes foot, maintains medial arch
Innervation: tibial nerve
Popliteus
Origin: lateral condyle of femur
Insert: above soleus muscle
Action: Laterally rotates femur (unlocks knee for flexion)
Innervation: Tibial nerve
Flexor hallucis longus
Origin: Posterior fibula
Insert: Plantar phalanx of big toe
Action: Flexes big toe
Innervation: Tibial nerve
Gastrocnemius
Origin: lateral = lateral femoral condyle medial = medial femoral condyle
insert: calcaneal tendon (calcaneus)
Actions: Plantarflexes at ankle, flexes knee
Innervation: Tibial nerve
Plantaris
Origin: Lateral supracondylar line femur
Insert: cacaneal tendon
Actions: Plantarflexes at ankle, flexes knee
Innervation: Tibial nerve
Soleus
Origin: Soleal line of tibia/proximal fibular
Insert: Calcaneal tendon
Action: Plantarflexes at ankle
Innervation: Tibial nerve
Other posterior leg functions:
Normal gait
Muscular venous pump
