Muscles of the Lower Limb

The muscles of the anterior compartment of the thigh flex the thigh and extend the leg. This compartment contains the quadriceps femoris group, which extend and stabilize the knee. The sartorius is a band-like versatile muscle which flexes the leg at the knee and flexes, abducts, and laterally rotates the leg at the hip. This muscle allows us to sit cross-legged. The muscles of the anterior compartment of the lower leg are generally responsible for dorsiflexion, and the muscles of the posterior compartment of the lower leg are generally responsible for plantar flexion. The lateral and medial muscles in both compartments invert, evert, and rotate the foot. The foot has intrinsic muscles. These muscles primarily provide support for the foot and its arch, and contribute to movements of the toes. The muscles along the dorsal side of the foot generally extend the toes while the muscles of the plantar side of the foot generally flex the toes. The plantar muscles exist in three layers, providing the foot the strength to counterbalance the weight of the body. The large and powerful muscles of the hip move the femur. The muscles that move the lower leg typically originate on the femur and insert into the bones of the knee joint. The gluteus maximus is one the largest and most powerful muscle in the body.



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