ATLAS OF HUMAN ANATOMY - G.L. Bilich - 2014

Muscular System

MUSCLES AND FASCIA OF THE LOWER LIMB

Serving as Organs of support and locomotion, the human lower limbs possess the most powerful musculature, accounting for over 50% of an adult's total Muscle mass. In accordance with the anatomical division of the limb, the Muscles are grouped into those of the Pelvic Girdle and those of the free lower limb (thigh, leg, and FOOT) (Figs. 354, 355, Table 47). Among all lower limb muscles, the most highly developed in humans are the gluteus maximus (which acts as a hip extensor and maintains upright posture); the quadriceps femoris (which extends the leg, flexes the thigh, and maintains upright posture); and the powerful triceps surae of the leg (which performs plantarflexion of the foot).

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Fig. 354. Muscles of the right lower limb, anterior view:

1 —- Superior extensor retinaculum; 2 — Fibularis brevis; Peroneus brevis; 3 — Tibialis anterior; 4 — Fibularis longus; Peroneus longus; 5 — Quadriceps femoris; 6 — Adductor longus; 7 — Pectineus; 8 — Tensor fasciae latac; Tensor of fascia lata; 9 — Sartorius; 10 — Iliopsoas; 11 — Gracilis; 12— Gastrocnemius, medial HEAD; 13 — Soleus; 14 — Extensor digitorum longus; 15 — Extensor hallucis longus; Tendon; 16 — Inferior extensor retinaculum

Fig. 355. Muscles of the right lower limb, posterior view:

1 — Gastrocnemius; 2 — Semitendinosus; 3 — Semimembranosus; 4 — Gluteus maximus; 5 — Iliotibial tract; 6 — Biceps femoris; 7 — Popliteal fossa; 8 — Calcaneal tendon