L5.5.7.1.2: Anterior Lower Leg

• ANTERIOR LOWER LEG

  [a] Soleus

  [b] Tibialis Anterior

  [c] Extensor Digitorum Longus

  [d] Trans Crural Ligament

  
• Soleus

  ○ Fleshy muscle, deep to the gastrocnemius

  ○ Arises on the tibia and fibula rather than femur

  ○ Does not affect knee movement

  ○ Inserts into the calcaneal tendon

  ○ Strong plantar flexor of the foot
• Tibialis Anterior

  ○ Superficial muscle on the anterior leg

  ○ Arises from the proximal tibia and then parallels the anterior crest

  ○ Runs to the tarsal bones where it inserts by a long tendon

  ○ Acts to dorsiflex and invert the foot
• Extensor Digitorum Longus

  ○ Lateral to the tibialis anterior

  ○ Arises from the lateral tibial condyle

  ○ Proximal three-quarters of the fibula and inserts into phalanges of toes 2 - 5

  ○ Prime mover of toe extension
• Trans Crural Ligament

  ○ Upper part of the extensor retinaculum of foot which extends from the ankle to the heel bone