Muscles of the posterior leg Flashcards
How many muscles are in the posterior leg, and how are they (generally) arranged?
The posterior compartment of the leg contains seven muscles, organised into two layers – superficial and deep. The two layers are separated by a band of fascia.
Generally, what do the muscles of the posterior leg do?
Collectively, the muscles in this area plantarflex and invert the foot. They are innervated by the tibial nerve, a terminal branch of the sciatic nerve.
Out of the anterior, posterior and lateral leg compartments, which is the largest?
The posterior leg is the largest of the three compartments.
What is the calcaneal tendon?
The superficial muscles form the characteristic ‘calf’ shape of the posterior leg. They all insert into the calcaneus of the foot (the heel bone), via the calcaneal tendon. The calcaneal reflex tests spinal roots S1-S2.
Name the bursae that are associated with the calcaneal tendon. Where are they and what is their function?
To minimise friction during movement, there are two bursae (fluid filled sacs) associated with the calcaneal tendon:
Subcutaneous calcaneal bursa - lies between the skin and the calcaneal tendon.
Deep bursa of the calcaneal tendon - lies between the tendon and the calcaneus.
Which muscles make up the superficial layer in the posterior leg?
Gastrocnemius, soleus and plantaris.
Describe the gastrocnemius muscle.
The gastrocnemius is the most superficial of all the muscles in the posterior leg.
It has two heads – medial and lateral, which converge to form a single muscle belly.
The muscle is comprise of mainly fast twitch muscle fibres, which produce forceful movements such as running and jumping.
Attachments: The lateral head originates from the lateral femoral condyle, and medial from the medial condyle. The fibres converge, and form a single muscle belly. In the lower part of the leg, the muscle belly combines with the soleus to from the calcaneal tendon, with inserts onto the calcaneus (the heel bone).
Actions: It plantarflexes at the ankle joint, and because it crosses the knee, it is a flexor there.
Innervation: Tibial nerve.
Describe the soleus muscle.
The soleus is located deep to the gastrocnemius. It is large and flat, named soleus due to its resemblance of a sole – a flat fish.
Attachments: Originates from the soleal line of the tibia and proximal fibular area. The muscle narrows in the lower part of the leg, and joins the calcaneal tendon.
Actions: Plantarflexes the foot at the ankle joint.
Innervation: Tibial Nerve.
Describe the plantaris muscle.
The plantaris is a small muscle with a long tendon, which can be mistaken for a nerve as it descends down the leg. It is absent in 10% of people.
Attachments: Originates from the lateral supracondylar line of the femur. The muscle descends medially, condensing into a tendon that runs down the leg, between the gastrocnemius and soleus. The tendon blends with the calcaneal tendon.
Actions: It plantarflexes at the ankle joint, and because it crosses the knee, it is a flexor there. It is not a vital muscle for these movements.
Innervation: Tibial nerve.
Describe a rupture of the calcaneal tendon.
Rupture of the calcaneal tendon refers to a partial or complete tear of the tendon. It is more likely to occur in people with a history of calcaneal tendinitis (chronic inflammation of the tendon).
The injury is usually sustained during forceful plantarflexion of the foot. The patient will be unable to plantarflex the foot against resistance, and the affected foot will be permanently dorsiflexed. The soleus and gastrocnemius can contract to form a lump in the calf region.
Treatment of a ruptured calcaneal tendon is usually non-surgical, except in those with active lifestyles.
How many muscles are in the deep compartment of the posterior leg? What do they act on?
There are four muscles in the deep compartment of the posterior leg. One muscle, the popliteus, acts only on the knee joint. The remaining three muscles (tibialis posterior, flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum longus) act on the ankle and foot.
Describe the popliteus muscle.
The popliteus is located superiorly in the leg. It lies behind the knee joint, forming the base of the popliteal fossa.
There is a bursa (fluid filled sac) that lies between the popliteal tendon and the posterior surface of the knee joint. It is called the popliteus bursa.
Attachments: Originates from the posterior surface of the tibia, attaches to the lateral condyle of the femur.
Actions: Laterally rotates the femur on the tibia – ‘unlocking’ the joint so that flexion at the knee joint can occur.
Innervation: Tibial nerve.
Describe the tibialis posterior muscle.
The tibialis posterior is the deepest out of the four muscles. It lies between the flexor digitorum longus and the flexor hallucis longus.
Attachments: Originates from the interosseous membrane between the tibia and fibula, and posterior surfaces of the two bones. The tendon enters the foot posterior to the medial malleolus, and attaches to the plantar surfaces of the medial tarsal bones.
Actions: Inverts and plantarflexes the foot, maintains the medial arch of the foot.
Innervation: Tibial nerve.
Describe the flexor digitorum longus muscle.
The FDL is (surprisingly) a smaller muscle than the flexor hallucis longus. It is located medially in the posterior leg.
Attachments: Originates from the medial surface of the tibia, attaches to the plantar surfaces of the lateral four digits.
Actions: Flexes the lateral four toes.
Innervation: Tibial nerve.
Describe the flexor hallucis longus muscle.
The flexor hallucis longus muscle is found on the lateral side of leg. This is slightly counter-intuitive, as it is opposite the great toe, which it acts on.
Attachments: Originates from the posterior surface of the fibula, attaches to the plantar surface of the phalanx of the great toe.
Actions: Flexes the great toe.
Innervation: Tibial nerve.
