Muscles of the Lower Limb

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to the muscles of the lower limb as discussed in various chapters of the lecture.

Flexion of the hip

The movement that decreases the angle between the thigh and abdomen.

Abduction

The movement of a limb away from the midline of the body.

Adduction

The movement of a limb towards the midline of the body.

Quadriceps femoris

A group of muscles located at the front of the thigh that extends the knee.

Dorsiflexion

The action of raising the foot upwards at the ankle.

Plantar flexion

The action of pointing the toes downwards.

Gluteal muscles

Muscles located in the buttocks that are responsible for hip movement.

Tensor of fascia lata

A muscle that helps in the stabilization of the hip and knee.

Lateral rotator muscles

Muscles that allow for the lateral rotation of the hip.

Piriformis

A key muscle in the lateral rotation group located deep in the gluteal region.

Sciatic nerve

A major nerve that runs from the lower back down the leg and can be affected by muscle spasms.

Adductor group

A group of muscles that bring the hip closer to the midline.

Biceps femoris

A muscle located in the back of the thigh that assists in knee flexion.

Rectus femoris

A muscle of the quadriceps that extends the knee and flexes the hip.

Gastrocnemius

A major calf muscle that is involved in plantar flexion of the foot.

Tibialis anterior

A muscle located in front of the lower leg, involved in dorsiflexion of the foot.