Musculoskeletal: Anatomy - Leg Flashcards
Four muscles of the anterior compartment of the leg
- Tibialis anterior
- Extensor hallucis longus
- Extensor digitorum longus
- Fibularis tertius
Seven muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg
Superficial:
1. Gastrocnemius
2. Soleus
3. Plantaris
Deep:
4. Popliteus
5. Flexor hallucis longus
6. Flexor digitorum longus
7. Tibialis posterior
Two muscles of the lateral compartment of the leg
- Fibularis longus
- Fibularis brevis
Describe the anatomy of the superior extensor retinaculum
Thickening of deep fascia
Extends from anterior surface of distal tibia to fibula, proximal to malleoli
Describe the anatomy of the inferior extensor retinaculum
Y-shaped band of deep fascia
Arises from lateral aspect of anterosuperior calcaneus, loops around tendons of FT and EDL (in common synovial sheath)
Two limbs:
1. Attaches to medial malleolus
2. Arches across tendons, blends with plantar aponeurosis under medial longitudinal arch of foot
What structures are deep to the superior extensor retinaculum?
From medial to lateral: Timmy Has A Very Nasty Disease, ParaTyphoid
Tibialis anterior, extensor Hallucis longus, anterior tibial Artery and Vein, deep fibular Nerve, extensor Digitorum longus, Peroneus Tertius
What is the function of the anterior compartment of the leg?
Foot dorsiflexors
Toe extensors
Proximal and distal attachment, innervation, and action of tibialis anterior
Proximal: lateral condyle and surface of tibia, interosseous membrane
Distal: medial cuneiform, base of 1st metatarsal
Innervation: deep fibular nerve (L4-5)
Action: ankle dorsiflexion, foot inversion
What is the common innervation of the muscles of anterior compartment of the leg?
Deep fibular nerve (L4-5)
Proximal and distal attachment, innervation, and action of extensor hallucis longus
Proximal: mid anterior fibula, interosseous membrane
Distal: distal phalanx of 1st toe
Innervation: deep fibular nerve (L4-5)
Action: ankle dorsiflexion, great toe extension
Proximal and distal attachment, innervation, and action of extensor digitorum longus
Proximal: lateral tibial condyle, medial surface of fibula, interosseous membrane
Distal: middle and distal phalanges of 2nd-5th toes
Innervation: deep fibular nerve (L4-5)
Action: ankle dorsiflexion, extension of 2nd-5th toes
Proximal and distal attachment, innervation, and action of fibularis tertius
Proximal: inferior 1/3 of fibula, interosseous membrane
Distal: base of 5th metatarsal
Innervation: deep fibular nerve (L4-5)
Action: ankle dorsiflexion, aids foot eversion
What blood vessel supplies the anterior compartment of the leg?
Anterior tibial
Describe the course of the anterior tibial artery in the leg and foot. What branches does it give off?
Branch of popliteal artery at inferior border of popliteus (under fibrous arch of soleus)
Becomes dorsalis pedis as it passes the ankle joint between the malleli
Passes into 2nd layer of sole at 1st intermetatarsal space
Joins lateral plantar artery to form plantar arch
Also gives off branches:
- Anterior recurrent branch (to arterial anastomosis around proximal tibia)
- Malleolar branches
Describe the venous supply of the anterior compartment of the leg
Two companion veins accompany anterior tibial artery on either side, anastomose at frequent intervals
Describe the course of the deep fibular nerve and its function
Forms as branch from common fibular nerve, arising between fibularis longus and neck of fibula (at risk with fracture)
Accompanies anterior tibial artery in leg
Supplies all muscles of anterior compartment, and some intrinsic foot muscles (EDB and EHB)
Also provides cutaneous sensation to 1st webspace
Describe the sensory supply of the anterior compartment of the leg
Branches from:
1. Saphenous nerve (including infrapatellar branch)
- Supplies medial leg and posteromedial foot
2. Common fibular nerve
- Lateral sural cutaneous nerve: supplies deep fascia and posterolateral leg
- Superficial fibular nerve: supplies skin of anterolateral leg dorsum of foot (excluding 1st web space)
What are the two tibiofibular joints? What movement is possible at these joints?
- Superior tibiofibular joint
- Tibiofibular syndesmosis (inferior tibiofibular joint)
Both joints only move slightly with dorsiflexion
Describe the anatomy of the superior tibiofibular joint
Synovial joint between lateral tibial condyle and fibular head
Joint capsule strengthened by anterior and posterior ligaments of fibular head
Which bursa does the superior tibiofibular joint occasionally communicate with?
Popliteus bursa (which in turn communicates with the knee joint)
Which two arteries supply the superior tibiofibular joint?
- Inferior lateral genicular (from popliteal)
- Anterior tibial recurrent
Which two nerves innervate the superior tibiofibular joint?
- Common fibular nerve
- Nerve to popliteus