Compartments

The limbs can be divided into segments. If these segments are cut transversely, it is apparent that they are divided into multiple sections. These are called fascial compartments, and are formed by tough connective tissue septa.

The thigh is usually divided into three compartments, each supplied by a specific nerve

• Anterior compartment (obturator nerve)
  • articularis genu
  • sartorius
  • quadriceps femoris
    • rectus femoris
    • vastus lateralis
    • vastus intermedius
    • vastus medialis
• Posterior compartment/hamstring (sciatic nerve)
  • biceps femoris
  • semitendinosus
  • semimembranosus
• Medial compartment (femoral nerve)
  • gracilis
  • pectineus
  • adductor brevis
  • adductor longus
  • adductor magnus

The leg is divided into four compartments by the interosseous membrane of the leg, the transverse intermuscular septum and the posterior intermuscular septum

• anterior compartment
  • tibialis anterior
  • extensor hallucis longus
  • extensor digitorum longus
  • fibularis tertius
• posterior compartment
  • Superficial
    • triceps surae
    • gastrocnemius
    • soleus
    • plantaris
  • Deep
    • popliteus
    • flexor hallucis longus
    • flexor digitorum longus
    • tibialis posterior
  • lateral compartment
    • Fibularis longus
    • Fibularis brevis

Compartments usually have separate nerve and blood supplies from their neighbours. All the muscles within a compartment will generally be supplied by the same nerve