Muscles of the Lower Extremity: Posterior (Flexor) Compartment of the Leg

Question 1

Gastrocnemius Proximal Attachment

Answer 1

Posterior surface of the femur just above the medial and lateral condyles

Question 2

Gastrocnemius Distal Attachment

Answer 2

Calcaneus (via Achilles tendon)

Question 3

Gastrocnemius Innervation

Answer 3

Tibial n. [*S1,S2]

Question 4

Gastrocnemius Action

Answer 4

Plantarflexes the ankle
Assists with:
-Knee flexion
-Rearfoot inversion

Question 5

Soleus Proximal Attachment

Answer 5

Soleal line and middle third of the tibia; head, neck, and proximal third of the fibula

Question 6

Soleus Distal Attachment

Answer 6

Calcaneus (via Achilles tendon)

Question 7

Soleus Innervation

Answer 7

Tibial n. [S1,*S2]

Question 8

Soleus Action

Answer 8

Plantarflexes the ankle
Assists with:
-Rearfoot inversion

Question 9

Popliteus Proximal Attachment

Answer 9

Lateral condyle of the femur and lateral meniscus

Question 10

Popliteus Distal Attachment

Answer 10

Posterior surface of the tibia above the soleal line

Question 11

Popliteus Innervation

Answer 11

Tibial n. [L4,L5,S1]

Question 12

Popliteus Action

Answer 12

Flexes the knee

Medially rotates tibia (femur fixed)

Question 13

Flexor Digitorum Longus (FDL) Proximal Attachment

Answer 13

Middle posterior tibia

Question 14

Flexor Digitorum Longus (FDL) Distal Attachment

Answer 14

Plantar surface of distal phalanges of digits 2-5

Question 15

Flexor Digitorum Longus (FDL) Innervation

Answer 15

Tibial n. [*S2,S3]

Question 16

Flexor Digitorum Longus (FDL) Action

Answer 16

Flexes MP, PIP, & DIP joints of lateral 4 toes
Assists with:
-Plantarflexion of the ankle
-Inversion of the foot

Question 17

Tibialis Posterior Proximal Attachment

Answer 17

Proximal posterior tibia, fibula, and interosseous membrane

Question 18

Tibialis Posterior Distal Attachment

Answer 18

Plantar surface of navicular tuberosity and cuneiform bones

Question 19

Tibialis Posterior Innervation

Answer 19

Tibial n. [L4,L5]

Question 20

Tibialis Posterior Action

Answer 20

Inverts the foot

Plantarflexes the ankle

Question 21

Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) Proximal Attachment

Answer 21

Distal posterior fibula and interosseous membrane

Question 22

Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) Distal Attachment

Answer 22

Plantar surface of distal phalanx of the great toe

Question 23

Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) Innervation

Answer 23

Tibial n. [*S2,S3]

Question 24

Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) Action

Answer 24

Flexes MP & IP joins of great toe
Assists with:
-Plantarflexion of the ankle
-Inversion of the foot