Posterior Leg

Question 1

The posterior leg is innervated by the…

Answer 1

Tibial nerve

Question 2

The superficial muscles of the posterior leg insert…

Answer 2

Into the calcaneum via the calcaneal tendon

Question 3

The deep muscles of the posterior leg insert…

Answer 3

Inferior to the medial malleolus

Question 4

What action does the superficial muscles of the posterior leg perform?

Answer 4

Plantarflexion

Question 5

What action does the deep muscles of the posterior leg perform?

Answer 5

Foot inversion

Question 6

What are the 3 superior muscles of the posterior leg?

Answer 6

Gastrocnemius, Soleus and plantaris

Question 7

What are the origins of the gastrocnemius?

Answer 7

Medial and lateral condyles of femur

Question 8

What are the functions of the gastrocnemius?

Answer 8

Plantarflexion and Flexion at knee

Question 9

What is the origin and insertion of the Soleus muscle?

Answer 9

Origin - soleal line of tibia and superior fibula

Insert - calcaneal tendon

Question 10

What is the function of the Soleus muscle?

Answer 10

Plantarflexion

Question 11

What is the origin of the plantaris muscle?

Answer 11

Inferior lateral supracondylar line of femur

Question 12

Name the 3 deep muscles of the posterior leg.

Answer 12

Tibialis posterior, flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum longus

Question 13

What are the functions of the tibialis posterior?

Answer 13

Plantarflexion and foot inversion

Question 14

What are the functions of the flexor hallucis longus muscle?

Answer 14

Flexion of hallucis and maintains medial arch of foot

Question 15

What are the functions of the flexor digitorum longus?

Answer 15

Flexion of lateral 4 digits and maintains longitudinal arch

Question 16

What are the origins of the tibialis posterior?

Answer 16

Superior posterior tibia, fibula (inferior to soleal line) and the interosseus membrane

Question 17

Name the structures posterior to the medial malleolus heading posteriorly.

Answer 17

Tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, posterior tibial artery, posterior tibial vein, tibial nerve, flexor hallucis longus

Question 18

Describe the course of the tibial nerve

Answer 18

Branches from sciatic nerve at apex of popliteal fossa, runs posterior to tibia and posterior to medial malleolus

Question 19

Describe the Simmond’s/Thompsons test

Answer 19

Patient kneels, relaxes leg muscles, squeeze posterior calf, foot should plantarflex. Positive sign indicates calcaneal tendon damage