I.C.2 Leg & Foot: Posterior Leg & Plantar Foot: Page 1 of 4

Objectives:

3.2.1 Identify and give the actions for the muscles in the deep posterior fascial compartment of the leg.

3.2.2 Identify and give the actions for the plantar muscles of the foot.

3.2.3 Identify the nerves (sensory and motor) of the leg and foot, and predict the motor and sensory deficits in the leg and foot that would result from damage to the nerves. (Give one example).

3.2.4 Follow the course of the vascular supply of the leg and foot and its known vascular connections, and indicate possible alternate pathways for arterial blood supply to the leg and foot, if a major vessel is blocked.

3.2.5 Identify the major deep veins draining the leg and foot.

Assigned Readings:

Moore's COA: Pages 694, 742-746, 759-763, 768-783. See blue boxes on pages 763-767, 783-784 for clinical correlations. See yellow boxes on pages 767-768, 785 for "The Bottom Line."

	Step 1: Begin with a posterior view of the legs and feet.
	Step 2: : Notice the path of the tendons controlled by these muscles. Based on the path of the tendons, discuss the result of contraction of these muscles.
	Step 3: Rotate the cadaver to follow the course of the muscles and tendons.

Now add the muscles of the deep posterior compartment as follows:

	Step 4: Add the popliteus, which stabilizes the knee joint by resisting lateral rotation of the tibia on the femur.
	Step 5: Add the tibialis posterior, which causes inversion and plantar flexion of the foot, supporting the medial arch of the food during walking.
	Step 6: Add the flexor digitorum longus.

	Based on the name of this muscle, what does it do?
Flexes the lateral four toes.

Step 7: Add the flexor hallucis longus.

	Based on the name of this muscle, what does it do?
Flexes the great toe. Notice the path of the tendon controlled by this muscle. Based on the path of the tendon, discuss the result of contraction of this muscle.