Leg and Foot Functions Flashcards
Gastrocnemius
- The large calf muscle
- Can act on knee or the ankle separately, but not simultaneously
- Raises the heel during running and jumping
- Inserts on the calcaneus
Popliteus
-The key that unlocks the knee
Tibialis Posterior
-The most anterior and superficial layer in relationship to medial malleolus
Three deep posterior calf muscles
“Tom, Dick, and Harry”
- Tibialis Posterior (most anterior and superficial)
- Flexor Digitorum Longus
- Flexor Hallucis Longus (most posterior and deep)
Flexor Digitorum Longus
-Comparable to the flexor digitorum profundus of in the hand
Flexor Hallucis Longus
-This muscle is important in pushing off the surface in walking, running, and jumping.
Tibialis Anterior
- Superficial muscle of the shin
- Paralysis of this muscle causes foot drop
- “Shin splits” involve this muscle
Extensor Hallucis Longus
-This muscle is comparable to the extensor pollicis longus in the hand
Extensor Digitorum Longus
- Toe Extensor
- Comparable to the extensor digitorum in the hand
Extensor Digitorum Brevis
-The portion of the Extensor Digitorum Brevis to the great toe may be identified as the Extensor Hallucis Brevis
Peroneus (Fibularis) Longus
- Peroneus is derived from the Greek word for fibula
- Traverses the sole of the foot to meet the tibialis anterior tenon to form a stirrup for the foot
Peroneus (Fibularis) Brevis
-The action of the foot evertors is especially helpful when walking or running on uneven surfaces
Peroneus (Fibularis) Tertius
-Functions to place the foot flat on the ground by raising the lateral border
Muscle of the Foot:
Layer 1
- Abductor Hallucis
- Flexor Digitorum Brevis
- Abductor Digiti Minimi
- Together, these muscles help support the arches of the foot
Flexor Digitorum Brevis
- Compare to the flexor Digitorum Superficialis in the forearm
- One of the superficial muscles of the sole of the foot