Lower Limb - functions, areas, and general (bones)

what are 3 functions of lower limbs

1. locomotion
2. supporting body weight
3. maintaining balance

how are lower limbs connected to trunk (explain)

by pelvic girdle (bony ring composed of sacrum, right and left hip bones joined anteriorly at pubic symphysis)

1st region of lower limb

Gluteal: transitional zone between trunk and free lower limbs. includes buttocks and hip region, which overlies hip joint and greater trochanter of femur

2nd region of lower limb

femoral (thigh): includes most of femur, which connects hip and knee joints

3rd region of lower limb

knee: includes distal femur, proximal tibia and fibula, and patella, as well as joints between the bony structures

what is the fat-filled hollow posterior to knee called

popliteal fossa

4th region

leg: connects knee and ankle joints, includes tibia and fibula (calf)

5th region

ankle/talocrural: includes narrow distal leg and ankle (talocrural) joint

6th region

foot: distal part of lower limb. contains tarsus, metatarsus and phalanges

superior vs inferior foot

superior surface: dorsum of foot
inferior, ground-contacting: sole/plantar region

differences between toes

toes are digits of the foot: digit 1 (greater toe) has only 2 phalanges and other digits have 3

body weight transfer (+ explain last part)

vertebral column (then through sacro-iliac joints) --> pelvic girdle (then through hip joints) --> femurs --> knee joints (then through tibia) --> ankle joint --> talus.

Talus is the keystone of the longitudinal arch formed by tarsals and metatarsals, which distribute weight evenly between heel and forefoot when standing

how do femurs help to support erect bipedal posture

femurs are oblique (slanted) within thighs so when standing knee are adjacent and placed directly inferior to trunk, returning centre of gravity to the vertical lines of the supporting legs and feet

female vs male femurs

female femurs are slightly more oblique, reflecting a greater width of pelves