Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

MSK Anatomy > The Lower Limb > Flashcards

The Lower Limb Flashcards

1
Q

What are the functions of the lower limb

A

supports body weight - designed for this
Locomotion
Maintaining balance

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the 6 regions of the lower limb

A 
gluteal 
femoral 
knee
leg 
ankle 
foot
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What forms the sciatic foramen

A

The foramen is split into the greater and lesser parts by the sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligaments

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the function of the sciatic foramen

A

Allows nerves to enter and exit the pelvis and perineum

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What structures pass through the greater sciatic foramen

A

Those that supply the pelvis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What structures pass through the lesser sciatic foramen

A

Those that supply the perineum

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How is the gluteal region divided and what is the clinical relevance

A

Divided into quadrants
Important in injection site
Upper lateral quadrant has less important structures so is commonly used

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the largest nerve in the body

A

The sciatic nerve

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Where does the sciatic nerve originate

A

L4-S3

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What does the sciatic nerve supply

A

posterior thigh, all the leg and foot muscles and most of the skin
Branches in order to do this

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are the 2 main branches of the sciatic nerve

A

Tibial
Common fibular
This branching occurs in the distal thigh

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Where does the pudendal nerve originate from

A

S2-4

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What does the pudendal nerve supply

A

Principal nerve to the perineum

Supplies the perineum, genitals and pelvic floor muscles

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Where does the posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh originate

A

S1-S3

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What does the posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh supply

A

skin over posterior thigh, popliteal fossa, lateral perineum and upper medial thigh

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

List the superficial muscles of the gluteal region

A

gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fascia latae

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is the function of the superficial muscles of the gluteal region

A

extensors, abductors and medial rotators of thigh

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Which of the superficial gluteal muscles is the largest

A

gluteus maximus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What innervates the superficial gluteal muscles

A

Inferior gluteal nerve supplies the gluteus maximum

Superior gluteal supplies the others (L5-S2)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

List the deep muscles of the gluteal region

A

piriformis, obturator internus, gemelli and quadratus femoris

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What innervates the deep muscles of the gluteal region

A

Nerves from the sacral plexus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What is the function of the deep muscles of the gluteal region

A

lateral rotators of thigh and hip stabilisers

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What can happen if the piriformis muscle becomes tight

A

it can entrap the sciatic nerve and lead to sciatica type symptoms

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Describe the path of the sciatic nerve

A

Usually exits inferior to the piriformis
Usually most lateral structure leaving the sciatic foramen
Passes down in the posterior thigh

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What are the boundaries of the femoral triangle
``` Superior - inguinal ligament Medial - adductor longus Lateral -sartorius Floor - iliopsoas and pectineus Roof - deep fascia ```
26
What are the contents of the femoral triangle
Femoral nerve Femoral artery Femoral Vein Lymphatics (NAVY)
27
How many compartments does the thigh have
3 | Anterior, medial and posterior
28
How many compartments does the leg have
3 | anterior, posterior and lateral
29
What forms the compartments within the limb
The muscles are surrounded by a deep fascia that will then invaginate to form intermuscular septums
30
The action and nerve supply of the muscles within a compartment are generally the same - true or false
True
31
What is compartment syndrome
Occurs when there is increased pressure within a compartment - due to fluid or bleeding etc This can affect the function and flow of blood vessels/nerves in the area Will become very painful and can lead to odd neural symptoms and vascular necrosis
32
How do you treat compartment syndrome
Fasciotomy | Cut into the fascia tp release the pressure
33
Which group is more likely to get chronic compartment syndrome
Athletes | Enlarged muscles can put pressure on the vasculature and nerves
34
Which muscles are found in the anterior compartment of the thigh
Pectineus Iliopsoas Sartorius Quadriceps femoris
35
Which muscles are the flexors of the thigh
Pectineus Iliopsoas Sartorius
36
Which muscles are the extensors of the leg
Quadriceps femoris
37
Which nerve supplies the anterior compartment of the leg
Femoral nerve
38
Which level does the femoral nerve originate
L2,L3,L4
39
Which muscles are found in the medial compartment of the thigh
adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus, gracilis, obturator externus
40
What is the function of the muscles in the medial compartment of the thigh
Adductors of the thigh
41
Which nerve supplies the medial compartment of the leg
The obturator nerve
42
Which level does the obturator nerve originate from
L2,3,4
43
What muscles are found in the posterior compartment of the thigh
semitendinosus, semimembranosus biceps femoris
44
What nerves supply the posterior compartment of the thigh
Tibial division of sciatic nerve
45
Which level does the tibial division of the sciatic nerve originate
L5, S1 and S2
46
What muscles are found in the anterior compartment of the leg
tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, extensor hallucis longus, fibularis tertius
47
What is the function of the muscles in the anterior compartment of the leg
Dorsiflexors of ankle & extensors of toes | Extend the foot or dorsal flex the foot
48
What nerve supplies the anterior compartment of the leg
deep fibular nerve
49
Which level does the deep fibular nerve arise from
L4, L5
50
What is the result of damage to the dorsiflexor muscles
Foot drop Cannot flex the foot upwards Will have to raise knee up higher or swing round to the side Often trip due to toes dragging or you hear a foot slap as they cannot control the foot hitting the ground
51
What muscles are found in the lateral compartment of the leg
fibularis longus, fibularis brevis
52
What are the functions of the muscles in the lateral compartment of the leg
evert the foot | Weakly plantarflex the ankle
53
What nerve supplies the lateral compartment of the leg
superficial fibular nerve
54
Where does the superficial fibular nerve originate from
L5, S1, S2
55
Which muscle are found in the posterior compartment of the leg
Superficial group - gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris | Deep group - popliteus, flexor hallucis longus, flexor digitorum longus, tibialis posterior
56
What is the function of the superficial muscle group of the posterior compartment of the leg
plantarflexors of the ankle
57
What nerve supplies the superficial muscle group of the posterior leg compartment
Tibial nerve
58
What name may be used to refer to the 3 muscles in the superficial group of the posterior leg compartment
Triceps surae
59
Which leg muscle can you take out without a negative effect
Plantaris | for this reason it is commonly used for tendon repair
60
What are the functions of the deep group of the posterior leg compartment
Flexor of toes | Plantarflexors of the ankle
61
Which nerve supplies the deep group of the posterior leg compartment
tibial nerve
62
How is the flexor hallucis longus suited to its function
It is responsible for moving the big toe | It is a large muscle as most of our weight moves through this toe
63
What type of joint is our hip joints
Ball and socket Head of the femur is the ball and the socket is the acetabulum of the hip It's a synovial joint with strong capsule
64
Which movements can the hip joint perform
flexion-extension abduction-adduction medial-lateral rotation circumduction
65
What forms the ligaments in the hip joint
thick part of fibrous layer of joint capsule
66
Name the 3 ligaments from the hip joint to femur
iliofemoral pubofemoral ischiofemoral
67
What is the function of the ligaments in the hip joint
Strengthens the joint capsule | Stabilises the joint
68
Describe the blood supply to the hip joint
The medial and lateral circumflex arteries branch from the deep femoral artery These wrap around the joint and anastamose The artery to the head of the femur branches off the obturator
69
What are the movements of the knee joints
Main is flexion-extension | Some medial-lateral rotation can occur - few degrees
70
What type of joint is the knee
Hinge joint Synovial joint Has an external fibrous layer and internal membranous layer
71
What muscle(s) is mainly responsible for knee extension
The Quads
72
What muscle is mainly responsible for knee flexion
Hamstrings | Popliteal muscle at back of knee starts the process
73
Name the extracapsular ligaments of the knee
Patellar tendon Lateral (fibular) collateral ligament Medial (tibial) collateral ligament
74
Describe how the medial and lateral collateral ligaments are suited to their function
Lateral is more cord like as surrounded by many other structures for support Medial is much thicker/wider as it needs to be more supported
75
Name the intra-articular ligaments of the knee
``` anterior cruciate (ACL) posterior cruciate (PCL) ```
76
What are the 3 articulations of the knee joint
2 x femerotibial | 1 x femeropatellar
77
What is the main function of the PCL
Stops the tibia moving backwards | Stabilises knee
78
What group commonly tear their ACL
Athletes | Common to tear with a twisting injury
79
Describe the menisci of the knee
Crescent shaped fibrocartilage that surround the condlyes of the femur Medial and lateral ones Absorb forces through knee joint
80
What are the boundaries of the popliteal fossa
superolaterally – biceps femoris superomedially – semimembranosus inferiorly – gastrocnemius roof – popliteal fascia
81
What are the contents of the popliteal fossa
lots of fat - for cushioning terminal small saphenous vein popliteal vessels tibial and common fibular nerves
82
What is the importance of the many blood vessels in the popliteal fossa
A bent knee will kink the popliteal vessel – reduces blood supply As a result there are many blood vessels to compensate
83
Describe the calcaneal tendon
Commonly known as achilles Thickest and strongest in the body Attaches to the calcaneal tuberosity of the calcaneus
84
What is the ankle jerk test
Achilles tendon is tapped Normal result is plantarflexion Tests S1, S2 nerve roots
85
Describe the path of the superficial lymphatics
Follow the saphenous veins drain to the superficial inguinal lymph nodes then the external iliac nodes
86
Describe the path of the deep lymphatics
follow deep veins Then to popliteal lymph nodes deep inguinal lymph nodes external iliac lymph nodes
87
What are common sites of fracture in the pelvis in osteoporosis
Pubis rami | Sacroiliac joints
88
Which bones are in the hindfoot
Calcaneus | Talus
89
Which bones are in the midfoot
Cuboid Navicular Medial, intermediate and lateral cuneiforms
90
Which bones are in the forefoot
Metatarsals | Phalanges - proximal, middle and distal
91
What name is given to the joint between the talus and navicular
Acetabulum pedis
92
What is the main blood supply to the femoral head
Medial circumflex artery
93
List all the vessels that supply the femoral head
Medial circumflex Lateral circumflex Branch of the obturator
94
Describe the usual outcome of a intracapsular hip fracture
Usually disrupts the blood supply | Needs a hip replacement
95
Describe the usual outcome of a extracapsular hip fracture
Often preserves the blood supply | Can be repaired without replacement - blood supply allows healing
96
Which muscles are the primary hip flexors
Iliacus | Psoas major
97
What is the origin and insertion of the iliacus
Origin - iliac crest/inner aspect of ilium | Insertion - lesser trochanter of femur
98
What is the origin and insertion of the psoas major
Origin - transverse process of L1-L5 | Insertion - lesser trochanter of femur
99
What are the signs of a psoas abscess
Common in immunocompromised or PWID Patient will look very unwell Will sit with their hip flexed - most comfortable
100
Which muscles are the secondary hip flexors
Rectus femoris | Sartorius
101
What is the origin and insertion of the rectus femoris
Origin - AIIS | Insertion - tibia (via patella tendon)
102
What is the origin and insertion of the sartorius
Origin - ASIS | Insertion - tibia
103
What is an avulsion fracture
When contraction of the muscle or tendon pulls off part of the bone it is attached to Common in kids as bones still developing Can happen to ASIS and ischium
104
Which clinical issues can affect the hip adductors
Adductor tendinopathy - common in footballers Osteitis pubis Spasticity in NM conditions - leads to balance issues when sitting
105
Which muscles are the hip adductors
``` adductor brevis adductor longus adductor magnus Pectineus Gracilis ```
106
What is the common site of origin of the hip adductors
Inferior pubic rami
107
What is the site of insertion of the adductor brevis, longus and magnus
Linea aspera of femur
108
What is the site of insertion of the pectineus
Pectineal line of femur
109
What is the site of insertion of the gracilis
Tibia
110
Which muscles are the hip abductors
Gluteus minimus Gluteus medius Tensor fascia lata
111
What is the origin and insertion of the gluteus minimus and medius
Origin - ilium | Insertion - greater trochanter of femur
112
What causes a Trendelenburg gait
Weakness of the hip abductors
113
What is a Trendelenburg gait
Patient will fall to one side as they walk - toward the leg that's off the ground May compensate and throw body the opposite way when walking - T lurch
114
What is the origin and insertion of the tensor fascia lata
Origin - iliac crest | Insertion - lateral tibia via the iliotibial tract
115
What is the origin and insertion of the gluteus maximus
Origin - posterior aspect of ilium/sacrum | Insertion - iliotibial tract
116
What is the function of the gluteus maximus
Hip extensor | Helps with posture
117
Which muscles are hip extensors and knee flexors
Hamstrings | - Biceps femoris, semimembranosus and semitendinosus
118
What is the origin and insertion of the biceps femoris
Origin- Long head: Ischial tuberosity Short head: Linea aspera Insertion: Fibula head
119
What is the origin and insertion of the semimembranosus
Origin - ischial tuberosity | Insertion - posterior tibia
120
What is the origin and insertion of the semitendinosus
Origin - ischial tuberosity | Insertion - medial tibia
121
Where does true hip pain present
In the groin
122
What is the function of the collateral ligaments
Resists varus/valgus stresses at the knee Stops excessive movement in the coronal plane Found in medial and lateral side of joint
123
What is the function of the anterior cruciate ligament
Resists anterior translation and external rotation of the tibia on the femur
124
What is the function of the posterior cruciate ligament
Resists posterior translation of the tibia on the femur
125
What are the functions of the menisci
Load transfer (“shock absorbers”) Increase femero-tibial conformity Stabilise the knee during movement Lubricate the knee
126
Which muscles make up the quadriceps muscle
Rectus femoris Vastus intermedius Vastus medialis Vastus lateralis
127
What is the site of origin and insertion of the vastus intermedius
Origin - anterolateral proximal femur | Insertion - tibia via patellar tendon
128
What is the site of origin and insertion of the vastus medialis
Origin - medial edge of linea aspera of femur and greater trochanter Insertion - tibia via patellar tendon
129
What is the site of origin and insertion of the vastus lateralis
Origin - medial edge of linea aspera and lesser trochanter | Insertion - tibia via patellar tendon
130
Which structures are part of the extensor mechanism of the knee
``` Quadriceps muscle Quadriceps tendon Patella Patella tendon Tibial tubercle ```
131
Which factors may predispose to patellar insufficiency
``` Genu valgum Femoral head anteversion Weak quadriceps Laxity of ligaments Wide Q angle - women ```
132
Which muscles make up the hamstring
Biceps femoris Semimembranosus Semitendinosus
133
What is the site of origin and insertion of the gastrocnemius
Origin - femoral condyles | Insertion - calcaneus via the Achilles tendon
134
What is the site of origin and insertion of the soleus
Origin - broad area on posterior tibia | Insertion - calcaneus via the Achilles tendon
135
What is the site of origin and insertion of the plantaris
Origin - lateral femoral condyle | Insertion - calcaneus via the Achilles tendon
136
What is the site of origin and insertion of the tibialis anterior
Origin - lateral surface of proximal tibia | Insertion - medial cuneiform and base of 1st metatarsal
137
Name the ligaments of the ankle
Medial - deltoid ligament | Lateral - lateral ligament complex
138
What is the origin and insertion of the tibialis posterior tendon
Origin: Posterior proximal tibia /fibula Insertion: Navicular / plantar surface of medial cuneiform
139
What is the origin and insertion of the plantar fascia
Origin: Tuberosity of calcaneus | Insertion: Heads of metatarsals
140
What is the femoral sheath
Short tube of transversalis and iliopsoas fascia from abdominal wall that envelopes the femoral artery and vein Does not surround the nerve
141
Describe the path and function of the saphenous nerve
Branches from femoral nerve Leaves adductor canal by passing between the sartorius and gracilis Supplies fascia and skin in anteromedial aspects of knee, leg and medial aspect of foot
142
What is the clinical use of the femoral artery
Access route for many procedures: angiograms, stents, valve replacement
143
Where does the inguinal ligament run
Between the ASIS and pubic tubercle
144
How to the femoral vessles and nerves enter/leave the lower limb
Pass deep to inguinal ligament in the retroinguinal space
145
What is the knee jerk test
Deep tendon reflex elicited by striking the patellar ligament Causes sudden contraction of quadriceps Confirms muscle function, femoral nerve function and spinal cord connection
146
List the sensory innervation of the thigh
Anterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh Lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh Cutaneous branch of the obturator nerve
147
Describe the drainage of lymph following the great saphenous vein
Drains to superficial inguinal nodes then to external iliac nodes
148
Describe the drainage of lymph following the small saphenous vein
Drains to popliteal lymph nodes then to deep inguinal nodes then finally external iliac nodes
149
What are the attachments of gluteus maximus
iliac crest, sacrum, sacrotuberous ligament and coccyx proximally Iliotibial tract distally
150
What are the attachments of gluteus medius and minimus
external/posterior aspect of ilium proximally | greater trochanter distally
151
What is found in the inferior gluteal neurovascular bundle
inferior gluteal artery, vein and nerve (L5-S2) | Supplies glute max
152
What is found in the superior gluteal neurovascular bundle
superior gluteal artery, vein and nerve (L5-S2) | Supplies glute medius and minimus
153
What is the iliotibial tract
Thickening of the fascia lata (deep fascia of the thigh) Runs from ASIS to lateral tibial condyle It supports the knee
154
What is the tensor fascia latae
Muscular part of the fascia lata (deep fascia of thigh) | In proximal portion of iliotibial tract
155
What is the function of the acetabular labrum in the hip
Increases the depth of the acetabulum
156
Describe the ligament to the head of the femur
Attaches femur to depth of acetabulum Ruptured in dislocation Artery to the head of the femur runs within it but is obliterated by adulthood
157
What is the function of the genicular anastomoses
Provides collateral blood supply to the knee joint | Important in flexion as the popliteal artery can be temporarily occluded
158
Which structures pass through the tarsal tunnel | Tom Dick and Very Nervous Harry
``` Tibialis anterior tendon Flexor digitorum longus tendon Posterior tibial artery and veins Tibial nerve Flexor hallucis longus tendon ```
159
What is the proximal and distal attachments of the popliteus
Prox - lateral condyle of femur and meniscus | Distal - posterior surface of tibia
160
What is the proximal and distal attachments of the flexor hallucis longus
Prox - inferior 2/3 of posterior surface of fibula | Distal - base of distal phalanx of big toe
161
What is the proximal and distal attachments of the flexor digitorum longus
Prox - posterior surface of tibia and by a tendon to fibula | Distal - bases of distal phalanges of 4 digits
162
What is the proximal and distal attachments of the tibialis posterior
Prox - interosseous membrane, posterior surfaces of tibia and fibula Distal - tuberosity of navicular, cuneiform and cuboid, bases of 2nd-4th metatarsal
163
Where do you find the prepatellar bursae
Superficial to patella
164
Where do you find the infrapatellar bursae
Inferior to patella | Superficial to the patellar ligament

MSK Anatomy (4 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions