The flexor hallucis longus muscle is found on the lateral side of leg. Attachments: Originates from the medial surface of the tibia, attaches to the plantar surfaces of the lateral four digits.The FDL is (surprisingly) a smaller muscle than the flexor hallucis longus. It is located medially in the posterior leg. Actions: Inverts and plantarflexes the foot, maintains the medial arch of the foot.The tendon enters the foot posterior to the medial malleolus, and attaches to the plantar surfaces of the medial tarsal bones. Attachments: Originates from the interosseous membrane between the tibia and fibula, and posterior surfaces of the two bones.It lies between the flexor digitorum longus and the flexor hallucis longus. The tibialis posterior is the deepest out of the four muscles. Actions: Laterally rotates the femur on the tibia – ‘unlocking’ the knee joint so that flexion can occur.From there, it runs inferomedially towards the tibia and inserts above the origin of the soleus muscle. Attachments: Originates from the lateral condyle of the femur and the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus.There is a bursa (fluid filled sac) that lies between the popliteal tendon and the posterior surface of the knee joint. It lies behind the knee joint, forming the base of the popliteal fossa. The popliteus is located superiorly in the leg. Actions: Plantarflexes the foot at the ankle joint.įig 2 – Muscles in the deep layer of the posterior leg.The muscle narrows in the lower part of the leg, and joins the calcaneal tendon. Attachments: Originates from the soleal line of the tibia and proximal fibular area.It is large and flat, named soleus due to its resemblance of a sole – a flat fish. The soleus is located deep to the gastrocnemius. It is not a vital muscle for these movements. Actions: It plantarflexes at the ankle joint, and because it crosses the knee, it is a flexor there.The tendon blends with the calcaneal tendon. The muscle descends medially, condensing into a tendon that runs down the leg, between the gastrocnemius and soleus. Attachments: Originates from the lateral supracondylar line of the femur.The plantaris is a small muscle with a long tendon, which can be mistaken for a nerve as it descends down the leg. The body of the gastrocnemius has been cut away to expose the underlying musculature. Actions: It plantarflexes at the ankle joint, and because it crosses the knee, it is a flexor there.įig 1 – The muscles in the superficial layer of the posterior leg.In the lower part of the leg, the muscle belly combines with the soleus to from the calcaneal tendon, with inserts onto the calcaneus (the heel bone). The fibres converge, and form a single muscle belly. Attachments: The lateral head originates from the lateral femoral condyle, and medial head from the medial femoral condyle.The gastrocnemius is the most superficial of all the muscles in the posterior leg. It has two heads – medial and lateral, which converge to form a single muscle belly. Deep bursa of the calcaneal tendon – lies between the tendon and the calcaneus.
Four compartments of leg skin#
The calcaneal reflex tests spinal roots S1-S2.
The superficial muscles form the characteristic ‘calf’ shape of the posterior leg. They all insert into the calcaneus of the foot (the heel bone), via the calcaneal tendon.
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