Anatomy Of Lower Leg, Ankle And Foot

Question 1

What are the structure and function of the ankle and foot joints?

Answer 1

Ankle joint

• synovial hinge (tibia and fibula and talus)
• functions to permit dorsiflexion and plantarflexio

Joints in the foot

• subtalar joint between the talus and the calcaneus: synovial plane joint and allows inversion and eversion of the foot
• interphalangeal joints of the foot between the phalanx bones of the toes eg metatarsophalangeal, interphalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, distal interphalangeal: all are hinge joints with two collateral ligaments, function to permit flexion and extension

Question 2

What muscles move the foot and toes?

Answer 2

Foot:

• Dorsiflexion: anterior leg compartment
• plantarflexion: posterior leg compartment
• eversion: posterior leg compartment, lateral leg compartment
• inversion: anterior leg compartment

Toes

• flexion: abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, abductor digiti minimi, flexor digiti minimi brevis, quadratus plantar, lumbricals
• extension: extensor digitorum brevis, extensor hallucis brevis, lumbricals, flexor hallucis brevis
• adduction: palmar interossei
• abduction: dorsal interossei