Structures

Lower limb

Bones, muscles, and ligaments of the pelvis, leg, and foot.

214 entries

• Abductor digiti minimi of the footAbduction and flexion of the fifth toe at the MTP joint; supports the lateral longitudinal arch of the footMusculus abductor digiti minimi pedis
• Abductor hallucisAbduction and flexion of the great toe; important supporter of the medial longitudinal arch of the footMusculus abductor hallucis
• Acetabular labrumDeepens the acetabular socket by 30%, grips the femoral head beyond its equator, and creates a critical fluid…Labrum acetabulare
• Achilles tendonTransmits the force of triceps surae for plantarflexion of the ankle; essential for push-off in walking,…Tendo calcaneus (tendo Achillis)
• Adductor brevisAdduction of the hip, assists hip flexionMusculus adductor brevis
• Adductor canal, adductor hiatus, and femoral canalProvides safe conduit for femoral vessels and saphenous nerve transitioning from anterior thigh to popliteal…Canalis adductorius, hiatus adductorius et canalis femoralis
• Adductor longusStrongest hip adductor; also assists hip flexionMusculus adductor longus
• Adductor magnusPowerful hip adductor; the adductor part flexes the hip, the hamstring part (from the ischial tuberosity)…Musculus adductor magnus
• Ankle and heel bursae & Achilles tendon (Retrocalcaneal, calcaneal bursae & tendo calcaneus)Achilles tendon transmits soleus and gastrocnemius plantarflexion forces; bursae cushion tendon and skin…Bursae articulationis talocruralis, pedis et tendo calcaneus
• Ankle retinacula (Extensor, flexor, and fibular / peroneal retinacula)Prevents bowstringing of ankle tendons: Extensor retinacula (superior and cruciate inferior) retain tibialis…Retinacula musculorum extensorum, flexorum et fibularium pedis
• Ankle retinacula (Extensor, flexor, and fibular retinacula)Function as essential anatomical pulleys preventing bowstringing of extensor, flexor, and evertor tendons…Retinacula extensorum, flexorum et fibularium pedis
• Anserine bursa (Pes anserine bursa)Facilitates frictionless movement of the three pes anserinus tendons over the tibial cortex and MCLBursa anserina
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)Primary passive restraint against anterior tibial translation (85% total resistance) and secondary stabilizer…Ligamentum cruciatum anterius (ACL)
• Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL)Checks anterior translation of the talus in the mortise and inversion in plantar flexion. The weakest and…Ligamentum talofibulare anterius (ATFL)
• Anterior tibial arteryPrimary arterial supply to anterior leg compartment muscles (dorsiflexors) and the dorsum of the footArteria tibialis anterior
• Anterior tibial veinsProvide deep venous drainage for the anterior leg compartment and dorsal footVenae tibiales anteriores
• Articular cartilage of ankle, tarsus, and toes (Talus, Distal tibia, Tarsal bones, Phalanges)Provides ultra-low friction bearing surfaces absorbing high ground reaction forces across the foot and ankleCartilagines articulares talocrurales, tarsi et digitorum pedis
• Articular cartilage of the knee (Femoral condyles, Tibial plateau, Patella)Absorbs extreme peak impact forces (up to 7x body weight during deep squats and jumps) with near-zero frictionCartilagines articulares genus (Femur, Tibia, Patella)
• Articularis genusPulls the knee joint capsule and suprapatellar recess proximally during knee extension, preventing the…Musculus articularis genus
• Calcaneal and malleolar bursaeFacilitate smooth gliding of the Achilles tendon over the calcaneus and cushion malleoli from footwear…Bursae calcaneae et malleolares
• Calcaneofibular ligament (CFL)Checks inversion in neutral and in dorsiflexion, and is the only lateral ligament that stabilises both the…Ligamentum calcaneofibulare (CFL)
• Calf boneSlender non-weight-bearing bone; forms the lateral malleolus to stabilize the ankle mortiseFibula
• Capsules, collateral ligaments, and plantar plates of toes (MTP, PIP, DIP)Stabilizes toe joints against sagittal and transverse deviation; plantar plate resists hyperextension and…Capsulae, ligamenta collateralia et plantaria digitorum pedis (MTP, PIP, DIP)
• Coccygeus muscleForms part of the pelvic diaphragm (pelvic floor), supports the pelvic organs and flexes the coccyx slightly…Musculus coccygeus (musculus ischiococcygeus)
• Common fibular nerve (Common peroneal nerve)Controls all ankle and toe dorsiflexion and foot eversion; sensory to lateral knee, anterolateral leg, and…Nervus fibularis communis (peroneus communis)
• Common tendon of biceps femorisFlexion of the knee and (via the long head) extension and external rotation of the hip; rotates the flexed…Tendo communis musculi bicipitis femoris
• Common tendon of semitendinosus and the long head of biceps femorisForms the shared proximal origin of two hamstring muscles; both extend the hip and flex the kneeTendo communis musculi semitendinosi et capitis longi musculi bicipitis femoris
• Common tendon sheath of fibularis musclesEnables smooth frictionless movement of the fibularis longus and brevis tendons around the acute lateral…Vagina tendinum musculorum fibularium communis et plantaris
• Common Tendon Sheath of the Fibularis MusclesReduces friction and holds the tendons of the fibularis longus and brevis muscles in place behind the lateral…Vagina tendinum musculorum fibularium communis
• Communicating branch between posterior tibial and femoral arteriesForms a bypass (collateral circulation) that partly takes over perfusion of the lower leg when a vessel…Ramus communicans arteriae tibialis posterioris et arteriae femoralis
• Deep artery of thigh (Profunda femoris artery)Primary blood supply to the muscles of the anterior, medial, and posterior thigh compartments and femur shaftArteria profunda femoris
• Deep femoral vein (Profunda femoris vein)Collects deep venous blood from the musculature and bony cortex of the thighVena profunda femoris
• Deep fibular nerve (Deep peroneal nerve)Motor to all anterior leg compartment muscles (tibialis anterior, EHL, EDL, fibularis tertius) and intrinsic…Nervus fibularis profundus (peroneus profundus)
• Deep plantar archPrimary source of oxygenated blood to all digits (via plantar digital arteries) and deep forefoot structuresArcus plantaris profundus
• Deltoid ligament of the ankle (Medial collateral ligament complex)Extremely strong triangular ligament resisting eversion/pronation forces, preventing valgus talar tilting,…Ligamentum collaterale mediale articulationis talocruralis (Ligamentum deltoideum)
• Descending genicular arterySupplies the medial knee joint capsule, vastus medialis, and medial knee skinArteria genus descendens
• Digital tendon sheaths of footPrevent bowstringing of the toe flexors and provide synovial lubrication during digit flexionVaginae tendinum digitorum pedis
• Dorsal digital arteries of the footSupply the skin and nail bed on the dorsal side of the toesArteriae digitales dorsales pedis
• Dorsal metatarsal arteriesSupply the dorsum of the metatarsus and contribute to the perfusion of the toesArteriae metatarsales dorsales
• Dorsal venous network and arch of footCollects superficial venous blood from the dorsal foot and digitsRete venosum dorsale pedis et arcus venosus dorsalis pedis
• Dorsalis pedis artery (Dorsal artery of foot)Major arterial supplier of the dorsal foot and toes, providing a vital anastomotic bridge to the deep plantar…Arteria dorsalis pedis
• Extensor digitorum brevisExtension of the second to fourth toes at the MTP and PIP joints, supplementing extensor digitorum longusMusculus extensor digitorum brevis
• Extensor digitorum longusExtension of toes 2-5 and dorsiflexion of the ankle; important for foot clearance during the swing phase of…Musculus extensor digitorum longus
• Extensor hallucis brevisExtension of the great toe at the MTP jointMusculus extensor hallucis brevis
• Extensor hallucis longusExtension of the great toe and support of dorsiflexion of the footMusculus extensor hallucis longus
• Fascial system of lower limb (Fascia lata, IT band, crural fascia, plantar fascia, septa)Encloses anterior, lateral, and deep/superficial posterior leg compartments, powering the deep venous muscle…Fascia lata, tractus iliotibialis, fascia cruris, aponeurosis plantaris et septa
• Femoral nerveMotor to the anterior thigh muscles (iliacus, pectineus, sartorius, quadriceps femoris); sensory to the…Nervus femoralis
• Femoral ringTransmits lymphatics and gives the femoral vein room to expand; it is the weak point through which a femoral…Anulus femoralis
• Femoral triangle (of Scarpa)Passage for the femoral artery and vein, the femoral nerve and the inguinal lymph nodes; the classic landmark…Trigonum femorale (Scarpae)
• Fibular (lateral) collateral ligamentMain stabiliser against varus load at the knee; unlike the medial ligament it is not attached to the meniscusLigamentum collaterale fibulare (LCL)
• Fibular artery (Peroneal artery)Supplies the lateral and deep posterior leg compartments, fibula bone, and lateral malleolar/calcaneal…Arteria fibularis (peronea)
• Fibular veins (Peroneal veins)Deep venous drainage of the lateral leg compartment and calcaneal regionVenae fibulares (peroneae)
• Fibularis brevisEversion (pronation) of the foot and support of plantarflexionMusculus fibularis brevis
• Fibularis longusEversion of the foot, supports the transverse arch of the foot and assists plantarflexionMusculus fibularis longus
• Fibularis tertiusDorsiflexion and eversion of the footMusculus fibularis tertius
• First dorsal interosseous of the footAbduction of the second toe (away from the axis through the second toe), flexion at the MTP joint and…Musculus interosseus dorsalis pedis I
• Flexor digiti minimi brevis of the footFlexion of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the fifth toeMusculus flexor digiti minimi brevis (pedis)
• Flexor digitorum brevisFlexion of the proximal interphalangeal joints of toes 2-5Musculus flexor digitorum brevis
• Flexor digitorum longusFlexion of toes 2-5 and support of plantarflexion of the footMusculus flexor digitorum longus
• Flexor hallucis brevis, medial headFlexes the MTP joint of the great toe and supports the medial arch of the footMusculus flexor hallucis brevis, caput mediale
• Flexor hallucis longusFlexion of the great toe, supports plantarflexion of the foot and is important during push-offMusculus flexor hallucis longus
• Fourth dorsal interosseous of the footAbduction of the fourth toe laterally, flexion at the MTP joint and extension at the IP jointsMusculus interosseus dorsalis pedis IV
• Genitofemoral nerveMotor to the cremaster muscle (genital branch); sensory to the skin of the femoral triangle below the groin…Nervus genitofemoralis
• Gluteus maximusExtension and external rotation of the hip; important in standing up, climbing stairs and sprintingMusculus gluteus maximus
• Gluteus mediusAbduction of the hip and stabilization of the pelvis during single-leg stance phase of gaitMusculus gluteus medius
• Gluteus minimusAbduction and internal rotation of the hip, supports pelvic stabilization during walkingMusculus gluteus minimus
• GracilisAdduction of the hip, flexion of the knee and internal rotation of the lower leg with the knee bentMusculus gracilis
• Great saphenous vein (Long saphenous vein)Longest superficial vein in the human body, providing superficial venous return from the medial lower…Vena saphena magna
• Hip boneTransfers axial load from vertebral column through sacroiliac (SI) joints to the lower limbs; encloses pelvic…Os coxae
• Hip joint articular cartilage (Acetabular lunate surface & femoral head)Withstands peak loads of 3–5 times body weight during walking and stair climbing with ultra-low frictionCartilago articularis articulationis coxae (Facies lunata & Caput femoris)
• Hip joint capsuleStrongest joint capsule in the body; encloses femoral head/neck and houses critical ascending retinacular…Capsula articularis coxae
• IliacusFlexion of the hipMusculus iliacus
• Iliofemoral ligament (Y-ligament of Bigelow / Bertin)Strongest ligament in the human body (tensile strength >350 kg); prevents hip hyperextension, allowing…Ligamentum iliofemorale (Ligament van Bertin / Y-ligament)
• Iliohypogastric nerveMotor to internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles; sensory to the posterolateral gluteal skin and…Nervus iliohypogastricus
• Ilioinguinal nerveMotor to the lowest fibers of internal oblique and transversus abdominis; sensory to the upper medial thigh,…Nervus ilioinguinalis
• Iliopectineal (Iliopsoas) and deep pelvic bursaeLargest bursa of the hip (communicates with hip joint in ~15% of adults); cushions iliopsoas excursion over…Bursa iliopectinea et bursae musculorum pelvis
• Inferior gemellusExternal rotation of the hip in extension and stabilization of the hip jointMusculus gemellus inferior
• Inferior genicular arteries (Lateral and medial)Supply the proximal tibia, medial and lateral menisci (peripheral vascular zone), patellar tendon, and…Arteriae genus inferiores (lateralis et medialis)
• Inferior genicular veins (Lateral and medial)Provide deep venous drainage for the proximal tibia, menisci, and infrapatellar fat padVenae genus inferiores
• Inferior gluteal nervePure motor supply to gluteus maximus, the most powerful hip extensor in the human bodyNervus gluteus inferior
• Infrapatellar bursae (Subcutaneous and deep)Reduce friction between the patellar ligament, infrapatellar fat pad (Hoffa's pad), and the tibial tuberosityBursae infrapatellares et bursa tuberositatis tibiae
• Infrapatellar fat pad (Hoffa's fat pad)No muscular function: the fat pad fills the space between the patellar ligament and the joint capsule,…Corpus adiposum infrapatellare
• Intertarsal ligaments (Dorsal, plantar, and interosseous tarsal ligaments)Transforms the midfoot dynamically from a shock-absorbing mobile adapter at heel strike into a rigid lever…Ligamenta tarsi dorsalia, plantaria et interossea
• Ischiofemoral ligamentReinforces the posterior hip capsule; primary restraint against internal rotation and extension, screwing the…Ligamentum ischiofemorale
• Ischiogluteal, obturator, and iliopectineal bursaeProtect deep pelvic nerves and tendons from bony friction during sitting, hip flexion, and rotationBursae ischiadicae, obturatoriae et iliopectinea
• Knee joint capsule, synovial membrane, and infrapatellar (Hoffa's) fat padLargest synovial joint capsule in the body; secretes synovial lubricant; Hoffa's fat pad acts as a dynamic…Capsula articularis, membrana synovialis genus et corpus adiposum infrapatellare (Hoffa)
• KneecapLargest sesamoid bone in the human body; increases the mechanical leverage of the quadriceps muscle during…Patella
• Lateral circumflex femoral arterySupplies the quadriceps femoris, tensor fasciae latae, hip joint, and contributes to the genicular anastomosisArteria circumflexa femoris lateralis
• Lateral circumflex femoral veinDeep venous return from the anterior and lateral thigh musculatureVena circumflexa femoris lateralis
• Lateral collateral ligaments of the ankle (ATFL, CFL, PTFL & capsule)Primary passive restraints against ankle inversion stress: ATFL resists anterior talar translation in…Ligamenta collateralia lateralia articulationis talocruralis (ATFL, CFL, PTFL)
• Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN)Pure sensory innervation to the skin of the anterolateral and lateral aspect of the thigh from the greater…Nervus cutaneus femoris lateralis
• Lateral head of flexor hallucis brevisFlexion of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toeCaput laterale musculi flexoris hallucis brevis
• Lateral head of gastrocnemiusPlantarflexion of the foot and flexion of the kneeCaput laterale musculi gastrocnemii
• Lateral meniscus of the knee (Body, anterior horn, posterior horn)Transmits up to 70% of lateral compartment load; highly mobile to adapt to large rollback excursions of the…Meniscus lateralis (Corpus, cornu anterius et cornu posterius)
• Lateral plantar arteryDominant arterial source for the plantar foot and digits via formation of the deep plantar archArteria plantaris lateralis
• Lateral plantar nerveMotor to quadratus plantae, abductor digiti minimi, all interossei, lumbricals 2–4, adductor hallucis, and…Nervus plantaris lateralis
• Lateral plantar veinsMajor deep venous return channels draining the central and lateral plantar compartmentsVenae plantares laterales
• Lateral Subtendinous Bursa of the GastrocnemiusReduces friction between the gastrocnemius tendon and the underlying joint capsule during knee movementBursa subtendinea lateralis musculi gastrocnemii
• Ligament of the Head of the Femur (Ligamentum Teres)In children carries a branch of the obturator artery (artery of the ligamentum teres) that contributes to the…Ligamentum capitis femoris
• Long and short plantar ligaments (Plantar calcaneocuboid complex)Primary ligamentous maintainer of the lateral longitudinal arch of the foot; bridges over fibularis longus…Ligamentum plantare longum et ligamentum calcaneocuboideum plantare
• Long head of biceps femorisExtension of the hip, flexion of the knee and external rotation of the lower leg with the knee bentCaput longum musculi bicipitis femoris
• Lumbar plexusSupplies the abdominal wall below the umbilicus, the front and inner side of the thigh and the hip and knee…Plexus lumbalis (L1-L4)
• Lumbrical muscles of the footFlex the MTP joints while simultaneously extending the IP joints of toes 2-5Musculi lumbricales pedis
• Medial and lateral patellar retinacula (MPFL & LPFL)Stabilizes and guides patellar tracking within the trochlear groove; MPFL provides 50–60% of primary…Retinaculum patellae mediale et laterale
• Medial circumflex femoral arteryPrimary and indispensable arterial supply to the femoral head and neckArteria circumflexa femoris medialis
• Medial circumflex femoral veinProvides venous return from the hip joint, femoral head, and adductor muscle massVena circumflexa femoris medialis
• Medial collateral ligament of the knee (MCL / Tibial collateral ligament)Primary restraint against valgus stress (provides 78% of valgus restraint at 25° flexion) and secondary…Ligamentum collaterale tibiale (MCL / Binnenband van de knie)
• Medial head of gastrocnemiusPlantarflexion of the ankle and flexion of the knee; the major contributor to triceps suraeMusculus gastrocnemius, caput mediale
• Medial meniscus of the knee (Body, anterior horn, posterior horn)Bears 50–70% of medial compartment compressive loads, increases joint contact area by 200%, provides shock…Meniscus medialis (Corpus, cornu anterius et cornu posterius)
• Medial plantar arterySupplies the medial plantar muscles, medial sole skin, and medial aspect of the halluxArteria plantaris medialis
• Medial plantar nerveMotor to abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, flexor hallucis brevis, and 1st lumbrical; sensory to…Nervus plantaris medialis
• Medial plantar veinsDrain deep venous blood from the medial sole of the footVenae plantares mediales
• Medial Subtendinous Bursa of the GastrocnemiusReduces friction between the gastrocnemius tendon and the underlying joint capsule during knee movementBursa subtendinea medialis musculi gastrocnemii
• Medial tarsal arteriesSupply the medial tarsal bones and surrounding capsular tissue and form a bypass when flow is blocked…Arteriae tarsales mediales
• Metatarsals and phalanges of the footForms the forefoot skeleton; absorbs propulsion impact and provides rigid lever for toe-off during terminal…Ossa metatarsi et phalanges pedis
• Middle genicular arteryPrimary vascular supply to the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL, PCL) and central synovial…Arteria genus media
• Middle genicular veinProvides venous drainage for the cruciate ligaments and intercondylar synovial tissueVena genus media
• Oblique head of adductor hallucisAdduction and flexion of the MTP joint of the great toe; supports the transverse arch of the footMusculus adductor hallucis, caput obliquum
• Obturator externusExternal rotation and slight adduction of the hipMusculus obturatorius externus
• Obturator internusExternal rotation of the hip in extension, abduction of the hip in 90° flexion; stabilizes the femoral head…Musculus obturatorius internus
• Obturator nerveMotor to medial thigh adductors (obturator externus, adductor longus, brevis, gracilis, and adductor part of…Nervus obturatorius
• Opponens digiti minimi of the footSupports the lateral arch of the foot by pulling the fifth metatarsal bone medially and plantarwardMusculus opponens digiti minimi (pedis)
• Patellar retinacula (Medial and lateral)Provide passive and dynamic stabilization maintaining patellar tracking within the femoral trochlear grooveRetinacula patellae (mediale et laterale)
• PectineusFlexion and adduction of the hip, with a slight internal rotation componentMusculus pectineus
• Perforating veins of lower limb (Cockett, Boyd, Dodd perforators)Direct blood unidirectionally from superficial to deep venous systems via one-way bicuspid valvesVenae perforantes membri inferioris (Cockett, Boyd, Dodd)
• Periarticular knee bursae and tendon insertions (Pes anserine, semimembranosus, biceps femoris, subpopliteal)Prevents friction of hamstring, pes anserine, and popliteus tendons during knee kinematics and anchors flexor…Bursae et tendines periarticulares genus (Pes anserinus, Semimembranosus, Biceps femoris, Popliteus)
• Peripatellar bursae (Prepatellar, infrapatellar, and suprapatellar bursal complex)Provides low-friction glide interfaces during kneeling and deep bending; suprapatellar bursa is a direct…Bursae prepatellares, infrapatellares et suprapatellares
• Pes anserinus (goose foot tendon complex)Flexion of the knee and internal rotation of the lower leg with the knee bent; important dynamic stabilizer…Tendo communis pes anserinus
• PiriformisExternal rotation of the hip in extension; abduction of the hip in flexion; stabilizes the femoral headMusculus piriformis
• Plantar aponeurosis and gluteal aponeurosisDrives the critical Windlass mechanism: hallux dorsiflexion winds the aponeurosis over metatarsal heads,…Aponeurosis plantaris et aponeurosis glutea
• Plantar interosseiAdduction of toes 3-5 toward the second toe, flexion of the MTP joints and extension of the IP jointsMusculi interossei plantares
• Plantar venous arch and plantar venous pump of LejarsFunctions as the initial physiological plantar venous pump (pump of Lejars), forcefully propelling blood into…Arcus venosus plantaris et venae digitales plantares
• PlantarisWeak plantarflexor of the ankle and flexor of the knee; of minor functional importance in humansMusculus plantaris
• Popliteal and semimembranosus bursae (Baker's cyst)Minimizes friction between posterior knee flexor tendons and the posterior capsuleBursae popliteae, semimembranosi et gastrocnemii
• Popliteal arterySupplies the knee joint via genicular branches and forms the sole conduit to the leg and footArteria poplitea
• Popliteal ligaments of the knee (Oblique and arcuate popliteal ligaments)Reinforces the posterior and posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee, resisting hyperextension and tibial…Ligamentum popliteum obliquum et ligamentum popliteum arcuatum
• Popliteal veinMajor deep venous channel draining the lower leg; receives the small saphenous veinVena poplitea
• Popliteus'Unlocks' the knee joint by internally rotating the tibia relative to the femur at the onset of flexion;…Musculus popliteus
• Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)Strongest knee ligament; primary restraint against posterior tibial displacement (95% total restraint);…Ligamentum cruciatum posterius (PCL)
• Posterior cutaneous nerve of thigh (Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve)Pure sensory innervation to inferior buttock (inferior clunial nerves), perineum, posterior thigh, and upper…Nervus cutaneus femoris posterior
• Posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL)Checks dorsiflexion and external rotation of the talus. By far the strongest of the three lateral ligaments,…Ligamentum talofibulare posterius (PTFL)
• Posterior tibial arteryPrimary arterial conduit supplying the posterior leg musculature and the entire plantar aspect of the footArteria tibialis posterior
• Posterior tibial veinsMajor deep venous return channels for the calf and sole; receive Cockett's perforating veinsVenae tibiales posteriores
• Prepatellar and suprapatellar bursaeMinimizes friction between the patellar skin and bony extensor mechanism during flexion; suprapatellar bursa…Bursae praepatellares et bursa suprapatellaris
• Psoas MajorPrimary hip flexor, together with iliacus (iliopsoas); causes unilateral lateral flexion of the lumbar spineMusculus psoas major
• Psoas MinorSlight flexion of the lumbar spine and tensioning of the iliac fascia; no relevant action on the hipMusculus psoas minor
• Pubic symphysis (Interpubic disc & pubic ligaments)Anterior midline junction closing the pelvic ring; absorbs vertical and rotational shear during single-leg…Symphysis pubica (Discus interpubicus et ligamenta pubica)
• Pubofemoral ligamentReinforces the inferomedial hip capsule, restricting excessive hip abduction and external rotationLigamentum pubofemorale
• Quadratus FemorisExternal rotation of the hip; stabilizes the femoral head in the acetabulumMusculus quadratus femoris
• Quadratus PlantaeCorrects the oblique pull of the flexor digitorum longus tendons into a straight line and reinforces flexion…Musculus quadratus plantae
• Quadriceps Tendon and Patellar LigamentTransmits the force of quadriceps femoris to the tibia and produces knee extension; the patella increases the…Tendo quadricipitis et ligamentum patellae
• Quadriceps tendon and patellar ligament (Knee extensor apparatus)Primary knee extension mechanism; patella acts as a anatomical fulcrum, increasing the quadriceps moment arm…Tendo musculi quadricipitis femoris et ligamentum patellae
• Rectus FemorisExtends the knee and flexes the hip; the only quadriceps head that spans two jointsMusculus rectus femoris
• Sacrococcygeal symphysis, obturator membrane, and coccygeal ligamentsProvides flexible attachment for coccyx; closes obturator foramen while providing obturator canal for…Symphysis sacrococcygea, membrana obturatoria et ligamenta coccygea
• Sacroiliac and iliolumbar ligament complexStrongest ligament complex in the human body; ensures form and force closure of the sacroiliac joint,…Ligamenta sacroiliaca (anteriora, posteriora, interossea & iliolumbale)
• Sacroiliac joint articular cartilage (Sacrum & Ilium)Provides interlocking friction-optimized joint surface absorbing tremendous axial torso loadsCartilago articularis articulationis sacroiliacae
• Sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligamentsConverts greater and lesser sciatic notches into foramina; resists sacral nutation under spinal weight;…Ligamentum sacrotuberale et ligamentum sacrospinale
• Saphenous nervePure sensory innervation to the infrapatellar region, anterior medial knee, medial leg, medial malleolus, and…Nervus saphenus
• Saphenous tributary veins and posterior arch vein (Vein of Leonardo)Collect superficial venous return from the calf skin and subcutaneous fatVenae tributariae saphenae (arcus posterior)
• SartoriusFlexion, abduction and external rotation of the hip; flexion of the kneeMusculus sartorius
• Sciatic nerveMotor to hamstring muscles (semitendinosus, semimembranosus, biceps femoris) and hamstring part of adductor…Nervus ischiadicus
• Second dorsal interosseous of the footAbduction of the second toe laterally, flexion at the MTP joint and extension at the IP jointsMusculus interosseus dorsalis pedis II
• SemimembranosusExtension of the hip, flexion and internal rotation of the kneeMusculus semimembranosus
• Semimembranosus TendonTransmits the pulling force of semimembranosus to the tibia; stabilizes the medial and posteromedial kneeTendo musculi semimembranosi
• SemitendinosusExtension of the hip, flexion and internal rotation of the kneeMusculus semitendinosus
• Shin boneMain weight-bearing bone of the leg; supports body weight and transmits forces to the footTibia
• Short Head of Biceps FemorisFlexion and external rotation of the knee (no hip function, unlike the long head)Musculus biceps femoris, caput breve
• Small saphenous vein (Short saphenous vein)Superficial venous drainage of the lateral foot, heel, and posterior calfVena saphena parva
• SoleusPlantarflexion of the ankle; important muscle for standing postureMusculus soleus
• Spring ligament complex (Plantar calcaneonavicular) & Bifurcate ligamentForms fibrocartilaginous sling cradling the talar head; primary static supporter of the medial longitudinal…Ligamentum calcaneonaviculare plantare (Spring ligament) & Ligamentum bifurcatum
• Subtalar ligaments (Interosseous talocalcaneal, cervical, and peripheral ligaments)Primary intrinsic stabilizers of the subtalar (talocalcaneal) joint; interosseous talocalcaneal and cervical…Ligamenta talocalcanea (Anterius, posterius, mediale, interosseum & cervicale)
• Superficial circumflex iliac arterySupplies the superficial groin tissues, subcutaneous fascia, and superficial inguinal lymph nodesArteria circumflexa iliaca superficialis
• Superficial circumflex iliac veinDrains superficial venous blood from the lateral groin and hipVena circumflexa iliaca superficialis
• Superficial epigastric arterySupplies the subcutaneous tissue and skin of the lower anterior abdominal wallArteria epigastrica superficialis
• Superficial epigastric veinProvides superficial venous return from the lower anterior abdominal wallVena epigastrica superficialis
• Superficial external pudendal arterySupplies the skin of the lower abdomen, pubic region, and external genitalia (anterior scrotal/labial…Arteria pudenda externa superficialis
• Superficial external pudendal veinDrains venous blood from the external genitalia into the saphenous systemVena pudenda externa superficialis
• Superficial fibular nerve (Superficial peroneal nerve)Motor to fibularis longus and fibularis brevis (foot evertors); sensory to the lower anterolateral leg and…Nervus fibularis superficialis (peroneus superficialis)
• Superior clunial nervesPure sensory supply to the skin of the upper and central buttockNervi clunium superiores
• Superior GemellusExternal rotation and abduction of the hip (with the hip flexed)Musculus gemellus superior
• Superior genicular arteries (Lateral and medial)Supply the distal femoral condyles, quadriceps tendon, patella, and superior knee joint capsuleArteriae genus superiores (lateralis et medialis)
• Superior genicular veins (Lateral and medial)Deep venous drainage of the superior knee joint capsule and distal femurVenae genus superiores
• Superior gluteal nervePure motor innervation to the primary hip abductors and pelvic stabilizers: gluteus medius, gluteus minimus,…Nervus gluteus superior
• Sural arteriesPrimary blood supply to the powerful calf plantarflexors during sprinting and jumpingArteriae surales
• Sural nervePure sensory supply to the posterolateral leg, lateral heel (lateral calcaneal branches), lateral malleolus,…Nervus suralis
• Sural veins (Gastrocnemius and soleal venous sinuses)Core reservoir of the calf muscle pump, propelling venous volume cephalad against gravity during ambulationVenae surales (sinus venosi gastrocnemii)
• Synovial Sheaths of the ToesReduce friction and hold the long toe flexor tendons (flexor digitorum longus and flexor hallucis longus)…Vaginae synoviales digitorum pedis
• Tarsal bonesForms dynamic shock-absorbing longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot; distributes body weight during…Ossa tarsi
• Tarsometatarsal and metatarsal ligaments (Lisfranc complex & forefoot ligaments)Anchors forefoot rays to the midfoot arch; deep transverse metatarsal ligament prevents forefoot splaying;…Ligamenta tarsometatarsalia et metatarsalia
• Tendon sheath of extensor digitorum longus and fibularis tertiusProvides common synovial lubrication and frictionless gliding for the long toe extensor tendons and fibularis…Vagina tendinum musculi extensoris digitorum longi et fibularis tertii
• Tendon sheath of extensor hallucis longusSynovial gliding sheath reducing friction for the extensor hallucis longus tendonVagina tendinis musculi extensoris hallucis longi
• Tendon sheath of flexor digitorum longusFacilitates frictionless movement of the flexor digitorum longus tendon into the plantar compartmentVagina tendinis musculi flexoris digitorum longi
• Tendon sheath of flexor hallucis longusProvides low-friction gliding for the flexor hallucis longus tendon, the key engine of toe-off propulsionVagina tendinis musculi flexoris hallucis longi
• Tendon sheath of tibialis anteriorFacilitates low-friction gliding and nutritional support for the tibialis anterior tendon during ankle…Vagina tendinis musculi tibialis anterioris
• Tendon sheath of tibialis posteriorEnsures frictionless gliding for the tibialis posterior tendon, the primary dynamic stabilizer of the medial…Vagina tendinis musculi tibialis posterioris
• Tendon sheaths, digital pulleys & extensor apparatus of foot and toesProvides low-friction synovial glide channels and mechanical pulley restraint for extrinsic flexor and…Vaginae tendinum, ligamenta anularia et cruciformia digitorum pedis
• Tendons of extensor digitorum longusExtension of toes 2-5 at the MTP and IP joints, and supports dorsiflexion of the ankleTendines musculi extensoris digitorum longi
• Tensor Fasciae LataeAbduction, internal rotation and slight flexion of the hip; tensions the iliotibial tract and stabilizes the…Musculus tensor fasciae latae
• Thigh boneLongest, heaviest and strongest weight-bearing bone; transmits body weight to lower leg and acts as lever arm…Os femoris
• Third dorsal interosseous of the footAbduction of the third toe laterally, flexion at the MTP joint and extension at the IP jointsMusculus interosseus dorsalis pedis III
• Tibial nerveMotor to all posterior leg compartment muscles (gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, popliteus, tibialis…Nervus tibialis
• Tibialis AnteriorDorsiflexion and inversion of the footMusculus tibialis anterior
• Tibialis PosteriorPlantarflexion and inversion of the foot; supports the medial longitudinal archMusculus tibialis posterior
• Tibiofibular syndesmosis and proximal/distal tibiofibular ligamentsMaintains structural integrity and width of the ankle mortise around the talus; resists rotational and…Syndesmosis tibiofibularis et articulationes tibiofibulares
• Transverse acetabular ligamentCompletes the socket circumference and forms a tunnel transmitting obturator vessels to the acetabular fossaLigamentum transversum acetabuli
• Transverse Head of Adductor HallucisAdduction of the hallux; supports the transverse arch of the footMusculus adductor hallucis, caput transversum
• Transverse ligament of the knee & posterior meniscofemoral ligament (Wrisberg)Transverse ligament tethers anterior meniscal horns preventing anterior extrusion in extension; Wrisberg…Ligamentum transversum genus et ligamentum meniscofemorale posterius (Wrisberg)
• Trochanteric and gluteal bursae (Subgluteal, trochanteric & ischiogluteal)Reduces friction between abductor tendons, IT band, and greater trochanter/ischium during gait and sittingBursae trochantericae et gluteales
• Trochanteric bursaeFacilitate smooth excursion of the iliotibial tract and gluteal tendons across the prominent greater…Bursae trochantericae
• Vastus IntermediusExtends the kneeMusculus vastus intermedius
• Vastus LateralisExtends the kneeMusculus vastus lateralis
• Vastus MedialisExtends the knee and stabilizes the patella medially, especially in the terminal degrees of extensionMusculus vastus medialis
• Vessels of the femoral neckThe only significant blood supply of the femoral head in adults; the artery of the ligament of the head…Vasa colli femoris (aa. retinaculares)
• Zona orbicularis of the hip joint (Orbicular zone / Ring of Weber)Acts as a keyhole/buttonhole locking mechanism that holds the spherical femoral head securely within the…Zona orbicularis articulationis coxae (Ringband van Weber)