Lower Limb Anatomy

Question 1

Name the bones in the lower limb from top to bottom

Answer 1

• Hip bone = Illium, ischium + pubis
• Femur
• Tibia + Fibular
• Tarsals
• Metatarsals
• Phalanges

Question 2

What contributes to hip bone stability?

Answer 2

• Acetabular labrum - cartilaginous rim increases depth + stability
• Thick joint capsule
• x 3 strong extraarticular ligaments - stability + suction
• x 1 interarticular ligament

Question 3

What are the 2 types of hip fractures?

Answer 3

Intracapsular + Extracapsular

Question 4

What is the risk associated with hip fractures?

Answer 4

Damage to blood supply of femoral head (avascular necrosis)

Question 5

Where are the flexors and extensors in upper limb?

Answer 5

Flexors = Anterior 
Extensors = Posterior

Question 6

Where are the flexors and extensors in lower limb?

Answer 6

Flexors = Posterior
Extensors = Anterior

Question 7

What is the action and innervation of the anterior compartment of the upper limb?

Answer 7

Action = flexion forearm 
Innervation = musculocutaneous 

Action = flexion wrist + fingers
Innervation = median

Question 8

What is the action and innervation of the posterior compartment of the upper limb?

Answer 8

Action = elbow extension 
Innervation = radial  

Action = wrist + fingers extension 
Innervation = radial

Question 9

What is the action and innervation of the anterior compartment of the lower limb?

Answer 9

Action = knee extension 
Innervation = femoral 

Action = ankle dorsiflexion + toe extension 
Innervation = deer fibular

Question 10

What is the action and innervation of the medial compartment of the lower limb?

Answer 10

Action = hip adduction 
Innervation = obturator

Question 11

What is the action and innervation of the lateral compartment of the lower limb?

Answer 11

Action = ankle eversion + weak plantar flexion 
Innervation = superficial fibular

Question 12

What is the action and innervation of the posterior compartment of the lower limb?

Answer 12

Action = knee flexion + hip extension
Innervation = sciatic 

Action = ankle plantar flexion, toe flexion, inversion 
Innervation = tibial

Question 13

What is compartment syndrome?

Answer 13

Increased pressure within compartment - anterior = most common

Question 14

Name some causes of anterior compartment syndrome

Answer 14

1. Fractures that cause bleeding

2. Overuse = muscle swelling

Question 15

Name the arteries of the upper limb starting from the shoulder

Answer 15

Subclavian 
Axillary 
Brachial - Profunda brachii 
Radial + Ulnar 
Deep + Superficial palmer arches

Question 16

Name the arteries in the lower limb starting from the groin

Answer 16

External iliac
Femoral - Profunda femoris 
Popliteal 
Posterior tibial - Anterior tibial - Dorsalis pedis 
Fibular
Medial + Lateral plantar arteries

Question 17

Describe the course of veins in limbs

Answer 17

Deep veins follow arteries

• sometimes paired + run either side of arteries
• arterial pulsation helps venous return

Superficial veins = subcutaneous

• don’t follow arteries
• drain into deep veins
• prone to varicosities

Question 18

Name the superficial veins in the upper limb

Answer 18

Cephalic
Dorsal venous arch
Basilic vein

Question 19

Name the superficial veins the lower limb

Answer 19

Great saphenous vein
Dorsal venous arch
Small saphenous vein