Corpus: Leg

The term leg refers to the free lower limb, which is divided into thigh, lower leg and foot. The lower limb also includes the pelvic girdle (cingulum membri inferioris).

The leg is divided into three main sections:

• Upper leg (stylopodium)
• Lower leg (crus, zeugopodium)
• Foot (pes, autopodium), including
  • Tarsus (tarsus, basipodium),
  • Metatarsus (metatarsus, metapodium),
  • Toes (antetarsus, acropodium)

The following bones are involved in the structure of the leg:

• Thigh bone (femur)
• Kneecap (patella)
• Shin bone (tibia)
• Calf bone (fibula)
• Tarsal bones (ossa tarsalia)
• Metatarsal bones (ossa metatarsalia)
• Toe bones (phalanges)

The bones form several joints, including the knee joint and the ankle joint. Surrounding the bony framework are numerous muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels that contribute to the nutrition and movement of the leg. The muscles of the leg can be further subdivided into:

• Thigh muscles
• Lower leg muscles
• Foot muscles

The most important pathways include the femoral artery, the femoral vein, and the femoral nerve.

In addition to providing stable support for the trunk and head, the human leg is primarily used for locomotion by walking or running. The legs take on alternating functional roles, sometimes being the supporting leg, sometimes the free leg.

• 3D model: Dr Claudia Krebs (Faculty Lead), University of British Columbia