Regions of lower limb

Regiones membri inferioris

Definition

Different regions of lower limb include:

  • Gluteal region (a.k.a. buttocks or the glutes) → It constitutes the posterior part of the pelvic region, situated posteromedial to the hip. It extends from the iliac crests above, to the gluteal fold of skin below.

  • Hip (or hip joint) → Located lateral to the gluteal region

  • Thigh (a.k.a. femoral region, including hamstring and adductor compartments) → The thigh extends from the inguinal crease (or inguinal ligament) to the knee.

  • Knee → The knee (or knee joint) is the area between the thigh and the leg. The knee joint is a modified hinge-type synovial joint. Along with flexion/extension, a slight degree of rotation is possible when the joint is flexed. The posterior aspect of the knee features a shallow, diamond-shaped depression known as the popliteal fossa (or knee pit).

  • Leg → The leg is the section between the knee and ankle joints.

  • Ankle (or talocrural region) → This refers to the junction where the foot and the leg meet. It comprises three joints: the ankle joint or talocrural joint, the subtalar joint, and the distal tibiofibular joint. Anatomically and in the field of medical science, it specifically denotes the ankle joint.

  • Foot → The foot is the terminal part of the lower limb responsible for bearing weight and facilitating movement. Its skeleton structure consists of three components: the tarsus, metatarsus, and phalanges.

References

Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2023 IMAIOS.

  • Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 6: Lower Limb’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp. 512-525.

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