Human leg: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

In human anatomy, the leg refers, strictly speaking, only the part of the lower limb that lies between the knee and the foot. This article follows the more popular usage that includes the whole portion from ankle to hip.

Bones of the human leg (from hip joint to ankle joint)

• Femur (thigh bone)
• Patella (kneecap)
• Tibia (shin bone)
• Fibula (calf bone)

Muscles of the human leg

Muscles of the thigh

Anterior compartment of the thigh

• Quadriceps femoris, which is composed of:
  • Vastus lateralis
  • Vastus medialis
  • Vastus intermedius
  • Rectus femoris
• Sartorius
• Adductor longus
• Adductor brevis
• Adductor magnus
• Gracilic
• Pectineus
• Gluteus maximus
• Tensor fascia lata

Posterior compartment of the thigh

• Biceps femoris
• Semimembranosus
• Semitendinosus

Muscles of the calf

• Popliteus

The anterior compartment

• Tibialis anterior
• Extensor digitorum longus
• Extensor hallicus longus
• Peroneus tertius

The posterior compartment

• Gastrocnemius (attached to the calcaneus by Achilles' tendon)
• Plantaris
• Soleus

The lateral compartment

• Peroneus longus
• Peronius brevis

The deep posterior compartment

• Tibialis posterior
• Flexor digitorum longus
• Flexor hallicus longus

Vasculature of the leg

The arteries

Common femoral artery

Deep femoral artery

Superficial femoral artery

Popliteal artery

Anterior tibial artery

Posterior tibial artery

Peroneal artery

Arcuate artery

The veins

Greater saphenous vein

Lesser saphenous vein

Femoral vein

Popliteal vein

Anterior tibial vein

Posterior tibial vein

Peroneal vein