Exam 4 Muscles of the Deep Posterior Leg

Question 1

Which muscles make up the deep posterior leg:

Answer 1

1. Popliteus
2. Flexor digitorum longus
3. Flexor hallicuis longus
4. Tibialis posterior

Question 2

• Small muscle, which is deep to the heads of the gastrocnemius where it is obliquely placed
• Helps form the floor of the popliteal fossa

Answer 2

Popliteus

Question 3

Origin of the popliteus:

Answer 3

Lateral epicondyle of the femur

Question 4

Insertion of the popliteus:

Answer 4

Shaft of the tibia

Question 5

Actions of the poplieus:

Answer 5

1. medial rotation of the tibia (which unlocks the knee joint to allow flexion @ the leg)
2. Stabilizes the knee joint by preventing hyperextension

Question 6

• Most medial of the deep posterior leg muscles & is deep to the soleus
• Tendon passes behind the medial malleolus, b/t the tendons of the flexor hallucis longus & tibialis posterior

Answer 6

Flexor digitorum longus

Question 7

Origin of the flexor digitorum longus:

Answer 7

Shaft of the tibia

Question 8

Insertion of the flexor digitorum longus:

Answer 8

Distal phalanges of digits 2-5

Question 9

Action of the flexor digitorum longus:

Answer 9

1. Flexes digits 2-5
2. plantar flex the foot
3. Supports the medial & lateral longitudinal arch

Question 10

Most lateral of the deep posterior leg muscles:

Answer 10

Flexor hallucis longus

Question 11

Origin of flexor hallucis longus:

Answer 11

Shaft of the fibula; Interosseous membrane

Question 12

Insertion of the flexor hallucis longus:

Answer 12

Distal phalanx of digit one

Question 13

Actions of the flexor hallucis longus:

Answer 13

1. flex digit one
2. plantar flex foot
3. Inversion of the foot
4. supports the medial longitudinal arch

Question 14

• Muscle found b/t the flexor digitorum longus & flexor hallucis longus
• Tendon passes behind the medial malleolus

Answer 14

Tibialis Posterior

Question 15

Origin of tibialis posterior:

Answer 15

Shaft of the fibula & tibia; interosseous membrane

Question 16

Insertion of the tibialis posterior:

Answer 16

Navicular; Cuneiforms; cuboid; 2-4th metatarsals

Question 17

Actions of the tibialis posterior:

Answer 17

1. Inversion of the foot
2. Plantar flex the foot
3. Supports the medial longitudinal arch of the foot