Tibialis posterior muscle

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

Overview

The Tibialis posterior is the most central of all the leg muscles. It is the key stabilising muscle of the lower leg.

Origin and insertion

It originates on the inner posterior borders of the tibia and fibula. It is also attached to the interosseous membrane, which attaches to the tibia and fibula.

The tendon of tibialis posterior the decends down posterior to the medial malleolus and to the plantar surface of the foot where it inserts on to the tuberosity of the navicular, the first and third cuneiforms, the cuboid and the second, third and fourth metatarsals.

Function

As well as being a key muscle for stabilisation, the tibialis posterior muscle also contracts to produce inversion of the foot and assists in the plantar flexion of the foot at the ankle.

Additional images

Bones of the right leg. Posterior surface.
Bones of the right foot. Plantar surface.
Coronal section through right talocrural and talocalcaneal joints.
Muscles of the back of the leg. Deep layer.

Muscles of the back of the leg. Deep layer.
Muscles of the sole of the foot. Third layer.
The popliteal, posterior tibial, and peroneal arteries.