Lower Limb Anatomy Review

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the anatomy and clinical significance of ligaments, muscles, nerves, and blood supply of the lower limb.

Iliofemoral ligament

The strongest ligament in the hip, located anteriorly, resists hyperextension.

Ischiofemoral ligament

A posterior ligament of the hip that resists internal rotation.

Pubofemoral ligament

An inferior/anterior ligament that resists abduction and extension in the hip.

Patellar ligament

Ligament located anteriorly in the knee joint.

Medial collateral ligament

Also known as the tibial collateral ligament; a ligament on the medial side of the knee.

Lateral collateral ligament

Also known as the fibular collateral ligament; a ligament on the lateral side of the knee.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)

An intrinsic ligament of the knee that prevents anterior displacement of the tibia.

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)

An intrinsic ligament that prevents posterior displacement of the tibia.

Lumbar plexus

Network of nerves that includes the iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, genitofemoral, lateral femoral cutaneous, obturator, and femoral nerves.

Femoral artery

The primary arterial supply to the lower limb; landmark in the femoral triangle.

Popliteal artery

Located in the popliteal fossa; gives rise to genicular arteries that supply the knee joint.

Great saphenous vein (GSV)

Longest vein in the body, clinically significant for grafting and IV access.

Adductor canal (Hunter's canal)

A passageway in the thigh that contains the femoral artery and vein, used clinically for adductor canal blocks.

Medial tibial stress syndrome

Also known as shin splints; inflammation along the distal tibial shaft, causes pain during and after activity.

Compartment syndrome

Increased pressure in a muscle compartment, causing pain and potential ischemia.

Coxa Vara

Condition where the angle of inclination of the femur is less than 120 degrees.

Coxa Valga

Condition where the angle of inclination of the femur is greater than 135 degrees.

Congenital dislocation of the hip

A common birth defect where the femoral head becomes dislocated due to loose ligaments.

Angle of inclination

The angle between the femoral neck and shaft, normally between 120-135 degrees.

Fibula

Lateral bone of the lower leg; sometimes used for bone grafting.

Medial malleolus

A bony prominence on the distal end of the tibia.

Lateral malleolus

A bony prominence on the distal end of the fibula.

Plantar metatarsal arteries

Arteries that supply the plantar surface of the foot.

Pes anserinus

The conjoined tendon of the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus muscles that inserts on the medial tibia.

Tibial tuberosity

The bony prominence on the anterior aspect of the upper tibia where the patellar ligament attaches.

Sartorius muscle

A long, thin muscle that aids in hip flexion, abduction, and external rotation.

Piriformis muscle

A deep muscle that laterally rotates the hip and stabilizes the hip joint.

Tibialis anterior

A muscle in the anterior compartment that dorsiflexes and inverts the foot.

Extensor hallucis longus

A muscle responsible for the extension of the big toe and dorsiflexion of the ankle.

Superficial fibular nerve

Nerve responsible for innervating the lateral compartment of the leg.

Deep fibular nerve

Nerve responsible for innervating the anterior compartment of the leg.

Tibial nerve

The nerve responsible for innervating the posterior compartment of the leg.

Fibularis longus

A muscle that aids in ankle plantarflexion and foot eversion.

Plantar interossei

Muscles that adduct the toes towards the second toe.

Dorsal interossei

Muscles that abduct the toes away from the second toe.