Locomotor System Module

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the locomotor system, including terms, definitions, and anatomical insights.

Gluteal Region

Part of the body that encompasses the muscles and structures of the buttocks.

Thigh (femoral region)

The part of the leg between the hip and the knee.

Knee (knee region)

The joint connecting the thigh and leg.

Leg (leg region)

The region between the knee and the ankle.

Ankle (talocrural region)

The joint that connects the foot with the leg.

Foot (foot region)

The end part of the lower limb, used for standing and walking.

Sacroiliac joint

The joint between the sacrum and the iliac bones of the pelvis.

Hip joint

A ball-and-socket joint connecting the thigh bone to the pelvis.

Knee joint

The complex joint that allows for bending and straightening of the leg.

Ankle joint

The joint that allows foot movements and connects the leg to the foot.

Intermuscular septa

Connective tissue that separates muscle compartments.

Anterior compartment

The group of muscles in the thigh responsible for leg extension.

Posterior compartment

The group of muscles in the thigh responsible for leg flexion and thigh extension.

Medial compartment

The group of muscles in the thigh responsible for thigh adduction.

Femoral nerve

The nerve that innervates the anterior compartment muscles of the thigh.

Sciatic nerve

The nerve responsible for the innervation of the posterior compartment of the thigh.

Obturator nerve

The nerve that innervates the medial compartment muscles of the thigh.

Vastus lateralis

A muscle of the quadriceps group that extends the leg.

Vastus medialis

A muscle of the quadriceps group that extends the leg.

Vastus intermedius

A muscle of the quadriceps group located beneath the rectus femoris.

Rectus femoris

A muscle of the quadriceps that acts on both hip and knee joints.

Tensor fascia latae

A muscle located in the thigh that helps stabilize the hip and knee.

Iliotibial tract

A band of fibrous tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh.

Saphenous nerve

The nerve that provides sensation to the medial side of the leg and foot.

Great saphenous vein

The longest vein in the body, running along the length of the leg and thigh.

Small saphenous vein

A vein that drains the lower leg and empties into the popliteal vein.

Superficial inguinal arteries

Arteries that supply blood to the superficial structures of the inguinal region.

Lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh

A nerve providing sensation to the skin of the lateral thigh.

Medial cutaneous nerve of thigh

A nerve providing sensation to the skin of the medial thigh.

Sural nerve

A nerve providing sensation to the posterior part of the leg.

Popliteal fossa

The shallow depression located at the back of the knee joint.

Articularis genu muscle

A muscle that pulls up the synovial membrane to prevent damage during knee extension.

Adductor longus

A muscle in the medial compartment of the thigh that adducts the thigh.

Adductor magnus

A large muscle that adducts the thigh and assists in flexion and extension.

Gracilis

A long, thin muscle in the medial thigh that assists in adduction and flexion.

Pectineus

A muscle that helps to flex and adduct the thigh.

Biceps femoris

A muscle in the posterior thigh that flexes the leg at the knee.

Semitendinosus

A muscle of the hamstrings that flexes the leg and extends the thigh.

Semimembranosus

A muscle of the hamstrings that assists in knee flexion.

Knee flexion

The bending motion of the knee leading to a decrease in the angle between the thigh and the leg.

Knee extension

The straightening motion of the knee leading to an increase in the angle between the thigh and the leg.

Lateral rotation of the knee

The motion that turns the leg outward from the body.

Medial rotation of the knee

The motion that turns the leg inward toward the body.

Valgus stress

Stress that causes the knee to angle inward.

Varus stress

Stress that causes the knee to angle outward.

Popliteus muscle

A muscle that unlocks the knee joint during the initial phase of flexion.

IT band syndrome

A condition resulting from tightness in the iliotibial band causing lateral knee pain.

Tibial tuberosity

A bony prominence on the upper part of the tibia where the patellar ligament attaches.

Patella

A small bone that protects the knee joint, also known as the kneecap.

Meniscus

Crescent-shaped fibrocartilage discs in the knee that cushion and stabilize the joint.

Sprain

An injury involving the stretching or tearing of ligaments.

Tear

An injury involving the rupture of muscle or tendon fibers.

Osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint disease affecting the cartilage and causing pain.

Fibrous capsule

A dense connective tissue structure enclosing a joint.

Synovial membrane

A thin layer of tissue lining the joint capsule and secreting synovial fluid.

Ligamentum patellae

The ligament that connects the patella to the tibial tuberosity.

Cranial nerve

A nerve that emerges directly from the brain.

Muscular branches

Branches of nerves that supply muscles.

Articular branches

Branches of nerves that supply the joints.

Lateral malleolus

The bony prominence on the outer side of the ankle.

Medial malleolus

The bony prominence on the inner side of the ankle.

Subtalar joint

The joint allowing inversion and eversion of the foot.

Plantar flexion

A motion that increases the angle between the bottom of the foot and the back of the leg.

Dorsiflexion

Motion that decreases the angle between the dorsum of the foot and the front of the leg.

Transverse arch

The arch of the foot that runs across the width of the foot.

Medial longitudinal arch

The arch that runs along the inner side of the foot.

Lateral longitudinal arch

The arch that runs along the outer side of the foot.

Arch support

Structural support that helps maintain the arches of the foot.

Pronation

The rolling motion of the foot that allows for shock absorption.

Supination

The rolling motion of the foot outward, increasing stability.

Plantar fasciitis

Infection or inflammation of the plantar fascia causing heel pain.

Fascia lata

A deep fascia layer that encases the thigh muscles.

Loss of function

A reduction in the ability to perform normal physical activities.

Tendinitis

Inflammation of the tendon due to overuse.

Gait analysis

The study of human walking and its biomechanics.

Posture

The position of the body and how weight is distributed.

Rehabilitation

A process of recovery and regaining function after injury.

Mobility

The ability to move freely and easily.

Agility

The ability to move quickly and easily.

Balance

The ability to maintain stability while moving.

Strength training

Exercises that improve muscle strength.

Flexibility exercises

Exercises that improve the range of motion in joints.

Cool down

Activities performed post-exercise to help the body recover.

Warm up

Activities performed before exercise to prepare the body.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

Nutrition

The process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health.