Physiology of Lower Limbs - Duhok Polytechnic University PDF

**Duhok Polytechnic University** **Technical College of Health Shekhan** **Department: Nursing** **Subject: Physiology** **2ed year -- 1st Course**  **Physiology of lower limbs** **Prepared by:** **Supervised by:** ***Marwa khadir Dr.Sami jarjees*** **Introduction** ![...

**Duhok Polytechnic University** **Technical College of Health Shekhan** **Department: Nursing** **Subject: Physiology** **2ed year -- 1st Course**  **Physiology of lower limbs** **Prepared by:** **Supervised by:** ***Marwa khadir Dr.Sami jarjees*** **Introduction** **The** lower limbs, comprising the hips, thighs, knees, legs, ankles, and feet, are essential for various fundamental human activities, including standing, walking, running, and maintaining posture. They provide both stability and mobility, supporting the body's weight and enabling movement across different terrains. The physiological makeup of the lower limbs---incorporating bones, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves---works in a highly coordinated manner, creating a complex system that adapts to changing demands, whether in athletic performance, daily activities, or in response to injury. Understanding the physiology of the lower limbs is critical for professionals in healthcare, sports science, and rehabilitation. It provides insights into the mechanics of movement, helps diagnose and treat injuries effectively, and aids in developing strategies to enhance performance and recovery. This report will examine the intricate structure and functions of the lower limbs, exploring their anatomy, muscular and vascular systems, neural pathways, and their role in the gait cycle, balance, and posture. Through an in-depth look at these elements, we can appreciate the physiological marvel of the lower limbs and the essential role they play in human biomechanics. **Anatomy of the Lower Limbs**   **Bones**:  Key bones include the femur (thigh bone), patella (knee cap), tibia (shin bone), fibula, and the bones of the foot.   **Joints**:  Hip (ball-and-socket), knee (hinge), and ankle (hinge) joints.  Joint functions, range of motion, and importance in movement.  **Muscular System of the Lower Limbs**   Muscle Groups:  Major muscle groups like quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteal muscles, calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus), and smaller muscles in the foot.  Role in locomotion, stability, and support.   Muscle Physiology: Types of muscle fibers (slow-twitch vs. fast-twitch) and their distribution in lower limb muscles. Muscle contraction mechanics, including how muscles work in pairs (agonist/antagonist relationships). **Vascular System of the Lower Limbs**   **Arterial Supply**:  Overview of major arteries, including the femoral artery, popliteal artery, and tibial arteries.     **Venous Return:** Importance of venous valves, deep veins, and the role of muscle contraction in aiding venous return to the heart.  **Nervous System Involvement** **  Peripheral Nerves**: Overview of key nerves like the sciatic, femoral, tibial, and peroneal nerves. Role in motor control and sensation of the lower limbs. **Bonds of the lower limbs nerve with the spinal cord**  **Reference :** Boese CK, Dargel J, Oppermann J, Eysel P, Scheyerer MJ, Bredow J, Lechler P. The femoral neck-shaft angle on plain radiographs: a systematic review. Skeletal Radiol. 2020 Jan;45(1):19-28. Reynolds A. The fractured femur. Radiol Technol. 2021 Jan-Feb;84(3):273-91; quiz p.292-4.\[[[PubMed]](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23322864)\] Carballido-Gamio J, Nicolella DP. Computational anatomy in the study of bone structure. Curr Osteoporos Rep. 2020 Sep;11(3):237-45. \[[[PubMed]](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23722733)\] Wagner FV, Negrão JR, Campos J, Ward SR, Haghighi P, Trudell DJ, Resnick D. Capsular ligaments of the hip: anatomic, histologic, and positional study in cadaveric specimens with MR arthrography. Radiology. 2019 Apr;263(1):189-98. \[[[PubMed]](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22371607)\] van Arkel RJ, Amis AA, Jeffers JR. The envelope of passive motion allowed by the capsular ligaments of the hip. J Biomech. 2022 Nov 05;48(14):3803-9. \[[[PMC free article]](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4655836/)\] \[[[PubMed]](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26429769)\]