Lower limb bones, muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments

What are the three functions of the lower limb?

Support body weight

Locomotion

Maintain balance

What are the four regions of the lower limb?

Pelvis

Thigh

Leg

Foot and ankle

What are six main landmarks of the surface anatomy of the lower limb?

Iliac crest

Gluteus maximus and medius

Greater trochanter

Patella

Popliteal fossa

Gastrocnemius

What is the order of the ossification centres in the patella and femur?

Shaft

Distal epiphysis

Femoral head (6m)

Greater trochanter (4)

Patella (3-6)

Lesser trochanter (12)

What are the three anterior muscles of the thigh?

Iliopsoas

Sartorius

Quadriceps femoris

What is the distal attachment of the iliopsoas?

Lesser trochanter

What is the function of the iliopsoas?

Hip flexion

What are the four functions of the sartorius?

Hip flexion

Knee flexion

External rotation

Abduction

What is the distal attachment of the quadriceps femoris?

Tibial tuberosity?

What is the function of the quadriceps femoris?

Knee extension

What are the two medial muscles of the thigh?

Adductor

Gracilis

What is the distal attachment of the adductor?

Linea aspera of the femur

What is the function of the adductor?

Hip adduction

What are the three posterior muscles of the thigh, also known as hamstrings?

Biceps femoris

Semitendinosus

Semimembranosus

What are the two functions of the hamstrings?

Knee flexion

Thigh extension

What is the function of the gastrocnemius?

Plantar flexion in the ankle

What is the function of the Soleus?

Plantar flexion

What are the three functions of the Tibialis posterior and Tibialis anterior?

Dorsiflexion

Plantar flexion

Arch of foot support

What is the function of the Achilles tendon?

Attaches calf muscles to the bones of ankle and foot

What are the three articulations of the knee?

Patellofemoral joint

Medial tibiofemoral joint

Lateral tibiofemoral joint

What kind of joint is the knee joint?

Hinge joint

What are the three functions of the knee?

Flexion

Extension

Slight medial and lateral rotation

What are the four main ligaments of the knee?

Anterior cruciate ligament

Posterior cruciate ligament

Medial collateral ligament

Lateral collateral ligament

What are the functions of the knee ligaments?

Stabilise the knee

Prevent excessive movements in different directions