MBBS · Human Anatomy

Lower limb

The lower limb supports body weight and locomotion through the pelvic girdle, hip, thigh, leg and foot. The hip favors stability while the ankle and foot adapt to the ground.

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Lower limb — learning map

Original conceptual SVG · scalable
LABELED RELATIONSHIP MAP · SCHEMATIC, NOT TO SCALESkeletal chainpelvis to toesFunctional groupsmovement by compartmentsMajor nervesplexus to footArterial pathwayflow to distal limbLower limbKEY RELATIONSHIPS

Original schematic relationship map for this topic; relationships are organized for study, not intended as an anatomical depiction or a diagnostic algorithm.

Concept 01

Skeletal chain

The acetabulum articulates with the femoral head. The femur meets tibia at the knee; tibia and fibula lead toward tarsals, metatarsals and phalanges.

Concept 02

Functional groups

Anterior thigh muscles chiefly extend the knee; posterior thigh muscles contribute to hip extension and knee flexion, while posterior leg muscles help plantarflex the ankle.

Concept 03

Major nerves

The femoral nerve predominantly supplies the anterior thigh. The sciatic nerve divides into tibial and common fibular branches, supplying much of the leg and foot.

Concept 04

Arterial pathway

External iliac becomes femoral under the inguinal ligament. Popliteal branches supply the leg through anterior and posterior tibial systems.

Education / safety note: Compartment anatomy matters for pattern recognition, but this schematic cannot substitute for an anatomical atlas or vascular examination.

Reference and next reading

Explore the original curriculum and publisher-hosted resources for full-depth reading; this note is an original schematic introduction, not an exhaustive chapter.

Official / publisher source: NMC official CBME Curriculum 2024 and current regulations index ↗Official / publisher source: NCBI Bookshelf ↗Official / publisher source: PubMed ↗