Lower limb anatomy
The lower limb supports body weight and provides propulsion. Strong muscles of the hip and thigh move the femur, while muscles of the leg control the ankle and foot.
Use the pages in this region to compare attachments, actions and nerve supply, and to see them in 3D.
Muscles of the lower limb
MuscleLower limb
Adductor magnus
MuscleLower limb
Biceps femoris
MuscleLower limb
Gastrocnemius
MuscleLower limb
Gluteus maximus
MuscleLower limb
Gluteus medius
MuscleLower limb
Gracilis
MuscleLower limb
Piriformis
MuscleLower limb
Popliteus
MuscleLower limb
Quadriceps femoris
MuscleLower limb
Rectus femoris
MuscleLower limb
Sartorius
MuscleLower limb
Semimembranosus
MuscleLower limb
Semitendinosus
MuscleLower limb
Soleus
MuscleLower limb
Tensor fasciae latae
MuscleLower limb
Tibialis anterior
MuscleLower limb
Vastus lateralis
MuscleLower limb
Vastus medialis
Bones of the lower limb
Common questions
What muscles make up the quadriceps?
The quadriceps femoris consists of rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and vastus intermedius. They share the quadriceps tendon, which surrounds the patella and continues as the patellar ligament.
What are the hamstring muscles?
The hamstrings are biceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranosus. They arise from the ischial tuberosity (the short head of biceps femoris arises from the femur) and extend the hip and flex the knee.