Human leg

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Lateral aspect of right leg

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List of terms related to Human leg

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]


Overview

In common usage, a human leg is the lower limb of the body, extending from the hip to the ankle, and including the thigh, the knee, and the cnemis.[1] The largest bone in the human body, the femur, is in the leg.

Terminology

In human anatomical terms, the leg is the part of the lower limb[2] that lies between the knee and the ankle.[3][4] This article generally follows the common usage.

The leg from the knee to the ankle is called the cnemis (nee'mis) or crus[5]. The calf is the back portion and the shin is the front.

Legs are often used metaphorically in many cultures to indicate either strength or mobility. The supporting columns of an object may be referred to as legs as well, as in chair legs.

Function and cultural aspects

Legs are often used for standing, walking, jumping, running, kicking, and similar activities, and are a significant portion of a person's mass.

Adolescent and adult females in many Western cultures often remove the hair from their legs. Toned, tanned, shaved legs are sometimes perceived as a sign of youthfulness and are often considered attractive in these cultures.

Anatomy

The muscles of the human lower leg

Long bones of the lower limb

Muscles of the human lower limb

Muscles of the thigh

Anterior compartment of the thigh

Medial compartment of the thigh

Posterior compartment of the thigh

Muscles of the cnemis

The anterior compartment

The posterior compartment

(all these muscles are at the distal end attached to the calcaneus by the Achilles' tendon)

The deep posterior compartment

The lateral compartment

Vasculature of the leg

The arteries

The veins

See also

References

  1. "Leg". Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
  2. Template:Dorlands
  3. Template:EMedicineDictionary
  4. Template:Dorlands
  5. Template:Dorlands

External links

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