Lower limb

Definition

The lower limb consists of the hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle, and foot. It supports the body's weight and enables locomotion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the lower limb.
2. The patella, or kneecap, is a sesamoid bone embedded within the quadriceps tendon.
3. The tibia and fibula are the two bones forming the leg below the knee.
4. Muscles of the lower limb are categorized into groups based on their location: anterior, posterior, medial compartments of the thigh; anterior, lateral, posterior compartments of the leg.
5. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and runs through most of the lower limb.

Related terms

Femur: The longest and strongest bone in the human body located in the thigh.

Tibia: Also known as the shinbone; it is one of two bones in the lower leg.

Sciatic Nerve: The largest nerve in humans that runs from each side of your lower spine down to each foot.