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Questions and Answers
The thigh is composed of two bones, the tibia and fibula.
False
The femur is a long, heavy bone that serves as a mechanical lever for the thigh's muscles.
True
The fibula is situated on the medial side of the tibia.
False
The foot consists of 26 bones grouped into the tarsals, metatarsals, and patellas.
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Extrinsic muscles in the lower limb attach strictly below the ankle.
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Examples of intrinsic muscles in the leg include the soleus and tibialis anterior.
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The lower limb is innervated by only one nerve responsible for supplying the foot.
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The dorsal artery of the foot is responsible for supplying blood to the plantar side of the foot.
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The deep veins draining into the saphenous veins of the leg include the superficial dorsal and plantar venous networks.
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The lower limb does not contain joints like the hip, knee, ankle, and foot joints.
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Understanding the anatomy of the lower limb is not important for maintaining its health and preventing injuries.
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The main nerves responsible for supplying the foot include the lateral and plantar nerves.
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Study Notes
Lower Limb Anatomy
The lower limb, also known as the lower extremity, is a complex system of bones, muscles, nerves, and vessels that allows us to stand, walk, and perform various movements. It consists of the thigh, leg, and foot.
Thigh
The thigh is the upper part of the lower limb, and it is composed of the single bone, the femur. The femur is a long, heavy bone that serves as a mechanical lever for the thigh's muscles.
Leg
The leg is the lower part of the lower limb, and it is made up of two long bones, the tibia and fibula, and the patella, which acts as the knee cap. The tibia is slightly shorter than the femur and is the primary bone that articulates with the femur. The fibula is a smaller and thinner bone that is situated on the lateral side of the tibia.
Foot
The foot is the final part of the lower limb, and it consists of 26 bones, which are grouped into the tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges. The foot provides a broad base of support, allowing for proper weight distribution and stability.
Muscles
The lower limb is home to numerous muscles that play crucial roles in movement and stability. These muscles can be categorized as extrinsic (originating further up from the leg) or intrinsic (attaching strictly below the ankle). Examples of extrinsic muscles include the biceps femoris and the semimembranosus in the thigh, while the soleus and the tibialis anterior are intrinsic muscles in the leg.
Nerves
The lower limb is innervated by several nerves that provide motor and sensory functions. The main nerves responsible for supplying the foot are the medial and plantar nerves, together with the digital nerves. These nerves provide the necessary innervation for the muscles of the lower limb and allow for proper sensation and movement.
Vessels
The lower limb receives its blood supply from the dorsal artery of the foot and its branches on the dorsal side. The deep plantar arch and its branches are responsible for the vascularisation of the plantar side. The superficial veins of the foot consist of the superficial dorsal and plantar venous networks, which collect blood from the marginal, digital, and metatarsal veins of the foot. The deep veins include the deep plantar arch and the dorsal venous arch, which drain into the saphenous veins of the leg.
Joints
The lower limb contains several joints, including the hip, knee, ankle, and foot joints. These joints allow for a range of motion and provide stability to the lower limb.
In summary, the lower limb is a complex system of bones, muscles, nerves, vessels, and joints that work together to allow for movement and stability. Understanding the anatomy of the lower limb is essential for maintaining its health and preventing injuries.
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Description
Explore the detailed anatomy of the lower limb, covering the thigh, leg, foot, muscles, nerves, vessels, and joints. Learn about the bones, muscles, nerves, and vessels that make up this complex system and their roles in movement and stability.
