Muscles of the Lower Limb

The muscles of the anterior compartment of the thigh primarily function to flex the thigh and extend the leg. This compartment includes the quadriceps femoris group, which plays a key role in extending and stabilizing the knee. Within this group, the sartorius, a versatile, band-like muscle, flexes the leg at the knee and also flexes, abducts and laterally rotates the leg at the hip, enabling a cross-legged sitting position. The anterior compartment muscles of the lower leg are responsible for dorsiflexion, while the posterior compartment muscles handle plantar flexion. Muscles on the lateral and medial sides of both compartments assist in inverting, everting, and rotating the foot. The foot contains intrinsic muscles that primarily support the foot’s arch and contribute to toe movement. Muscles on the dorsal side of the foot generally extend the toes, while those on the plantar side flex the toes. The plantar muscles are organized in three layers, providing the foot with strength to balance the body’s weight. The large and powerful muscles of the hip are responsible for moving the femur, and the muscles that move the lower leg typically originate on the femur and insert into bones around the knee joint. The gluteus maximus is one of the largest and most powerful muscles in the body. *LICENSES AND ATTRIBUTIONS CC licensed content, Shared previously, Appendicular Muscles of the Pelvic Girdle and Lower Limbs, Authored by: OpenStax College. License: CC BY: Attribution. License Terms: Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/y9_gDy74@3/Appendicular-Muscles-of-the-Pe*