Lower limb: Glutes, Thigh, and Knee Flashcards
What are the functions of the lower limb
(1) support body weight
(2) produce locomotion
(3) produce stability as foundation for standing, walking, and running
Lower limb divisions:
from superior > inferior
(superior > inferior)
gluteal region > thigh > popliteal fossa > leg > ankle > foot
Why are llimbs divided into compartments
to define muscles that perform group functions with their own distinct nerve and blood supply
What bone forms the lower limb girdle that attaches the lower limbes to the vertebral column
os coxae
topographically and functionally the equivalent of the upper limb clavicle and scapula
The os coxae bones (ilium, ischium, pubis) meet one another at the acetabulum via what structure?
triradiate cartilage
(Y-shaped)
Os coxae articulations
- posteriorly to the sacrum via sacroiliac joint
- anteriorly to one another via symphysis pubis
The os coxae forms the anterolateral walls of the pelvis
Ilium structures
1) iliac crest
2) anterosuperior iliac spine
3) posterosuperior iliac spine
4) iliac tubercle - notch at the middle-posterior part of iliac crest; 2 in. behind the ASIS
5) anteroinferior iliac spine
6) posteroinferior iliac spine
7) iliac fossa
8) greater sciatic notch
Ischium structures
1) body
2) ramus
3) ischial spine (posterior part)
4) ischial tuberosity
The ischial spine intervenes between the greater and lesser sciatic notches - it becomes the greater and lesser sciatic foramina by the presence of the sacrospinous and sacrotuberous ligaments
Pubis Structures
The pubis is divided into: body, superior ramus, & inferior ramus
1) pubic crest
2) pubic tubercle
- The pubis connects with each other at the symphysis pubis
- it connects with all 3 bones at the acetabulum
- it joins with the ischium to form the obturator foramen
Anatomical tilt of the pelvis
- pelvic surface of the symphysis pubis faces upward and backward
- anterior surface of the sacrum is directed forward and downward
The front of the symphysis pubis and the anterosuperior iliac spine lie in the same vertical plane
Important muscle attachments to os coxae 1
Memorize
Important muscle attachments to os coxae 2
Memorize
Femur articulations
- superiorly with the acetabulum to form the hip joint
- inferiorly with the tibia and patella to form the knee joint
What is the fovea capitis
a small depression at the center of the head of the femur
for the attachment of the ligament of the head
Importance: part of the blood supply to the head of the femur from the obturator artery is conveyed along the ligament of the head and enters the bone at the fovea
What is the normal angle of the femur neck with the long axis
1) in adults
2) in children
1) 125 degrees
2) 160 degrees
At the femur, the greater and lesser trochanters are connected by:
(1) anteriorly
(2) posteriorly
(1) intertrochanteric line
(2) intertrochanteric crest
The intertrochanteric line is where the iliofemoral ligament attaches
Posterior ridge at the shaft of the femur
linea aspera
A flat, triangular area on the posterior surface of the distal shaft of the femur
popliteal surface
Important structures and muscle attachments of the femur
Memorize
The largest sesamoid bone
patella
triangular bone - apex lies inferiorly
It develops within the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle in front of the knee joint
Relations of the patella
- inferiorly, the apex is connected to the tuberosity of the tibia by the ligamentum patellae
- posterior articulation with the condyles of the femur
- anteriorly separated with the skin by the prepatellar bursa
- upper, lateral, and medial margins give attachment to the quadriceps femoris muscle
Largest muscle in the body
Gluteus maximus
also the 2nd most powerful muscle next to the maseter
Cutaneous nerve supply of the lower limb
- Upper Medial: posterior rami of L1-3 and S1-3
- Upper Lateral: lateral branches of the anterior rami of the iliohypogastric (L1) and T12
- Lower Lateral: lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh (anterior rami of L2-3)
- Lower Medial: posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh (anterior rami of S1-3)
- Skin over the coccyx in the floor of the cleft between the buttocks: lower sacral and coccygeal nerves
Lymph drainage of the gluteal region
Superficial inguinal nodes - lateral group
What is the composition of the iliotibial tract (iliotibial band)
Thickening of the fascia lata (deep fascia of the thigh) on the lateral surface of the thigh
Attahced above to the iliac tubercle (of the iliac crest) and below to the lateral condyle of the tibia
Forms a sheath for the tensor fasciae latae muscle and receives the greater part of the insertion of the gluteus maximus
Iliotibial tract
Function of the sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligaments
To stabilize the sacrum and prevent its rotation at the sacroiliac joint
Connects the back of the sacrum to the ischial tuberosity
sacrotuberous ligament
Connects the back of the sacrum to the spine of the ischium
sacrospinous ligament
Lymph nodes of the lower limb
The greater sciatic foramen provides an exit from the pelvis into the gluteal region
What structures exit the greater sciatic foramen:
1) piriformis muscle
2) sciatic nerve
3) posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh
4) gluteal nerves (superior & inferior)
5) gluteal vessels (superior & inferior)
6) nerves to the obturator internus
7) nerves to the quadratus femoris
8) pudendal nerve
9) internal pudendal vessels
“vessels” - artery & vein
The lesser sciatic foramina provides and entrance to the perineum from the gluteal region
What structures pass through the lesser sciatic notch?
1) tendon of the obturator internus muscle
2) nerve to the obturator internus
3) pudendal nerve
4) internal pudendal vessels
What muscle assists the gluteus maximus in maintaining the knee in extended positon?
Tensor fasciae latae
What muscle separates the superior gluteal nerves and vessels from the inferior gluteal nerves and vessels?
Piriformis muscle
Gluteal Region Muscles
Memorize
Sciatic Nerve composition
consists of the tibial and common fibular (peroneal) nerves bounded together by fascia
L4-5 and S1-3
The sciatic nerve gives no branches in the gluteal region
Gluteal Region Nerves
Memorize
- sciatic nerve
- posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh
- superior gluteal nerve
- inferior gluteal nerve
- nerve to the quadratus femoris
- pudendal nerve
- nerve to the obturator internus