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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Can You Name the Muscles in the Posterior Leg?

Think you know the muscles of the posterior leg? Challenge yourself now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of posterior leg muscles in layered cutaway on teal background for origins and insertions quiz

Ready to elevate your anatomy skills? Take our Master the Posterior Compartment of the Leg Muscles Quiz and challenge yourself on the muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg like a pro. You'll also explore how each muscle supports walking, running, and jumping to apply your knowledge in clinical and training settings. Test origins, insertions, and functions of key muscles posterior leg to deepen your grasp of muscles in posterior leg. If you've tackled our lower limb muscles quiz or tried a leg muscle anatomy quiz , this is your perfect next step. Dive in now, boost your confidence, and see how well you master these vital muscles of the posterior leg!

Which nerve innervates all muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg?
Tibial nerve
Deep fibular nerve
Sural nerve
Common fibular nerve
All muscles in the posterior compartment of the leg are innervated by the tibial nerve, a continuation of the sciatic nerve. This nerve courses down through the popliteal fossa into the posterior compartment, supplying both superficial and deep groups. Its integrity is essential for plantarflexion and inversion movements of the foot. Further details at Kenhub.
What is the primary arterial supply to the posterior compartment of the leg?
Fibular artery
Anterior tibial artery
Popliteal artery
Posterior tibial artery
The posterior tibial artery, a branch of the popliteal artery, provides the main blood supply to both the superficial and deep muscles of the posterior compartment. It travels down the posterior leg alongside the tibial nerve. Its branches include the medial and lateral plantar arteries in the foot. More information at Kenhub.
The gastrocnemius muscle originates from which anatomical structures?
Soleal line of tibia
Tibial tuberosity
Medial and lateral femoral condyles
Head of fibula
The gastrocnemius has two heads: the medial head originates from the posterior aspect of the medial femoral condyle, and the lateral head from the lateral femoral condyle. These origins position the muscle to cross both the knee and ankle joints. This arrangement allows it to contribute to knee flexion and powerful plantarflexion. See TeachMeAnatomy.
Where does the gastrocnemius muscle insert?
Navicular bone
Calcaneus via calcaneal tendon
Distal phalanges of toes
Medial cuneiform
The gastrocnemius, along with the soleus and plantaris, inserts onto the posterior calcaneus via the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon. This powerful tendon attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone and is critical for plantarflexion. Injuries to this tendon can severely limit push-off strength. More at TeachMeAnatomy.
The soleus muscle originates primarily from which area?
Head of fibula only
Anterior tibial crest
Lateral femoral condyle
Soleal line of tibia and posterior fibula
The soleus arises from the posterior surface of the head of the fibula, the soleal line of the tibia, and the intervening membrane. This broad origin forms a strong muscle belly that works with the gastrocnemius for plantarflexion. It does not cross the knee, so its action is limited to the ankle. See TeachMeAnatomy.
Into which structure does the soleus muscle insert?
Talus bone
Head of fibula
Medial malleolus
Calcaneus via calcaneal tendon
The soleus joins the gastrocnemius to form the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon, which inserts onto the posterior surface of the calcaneus. This arrangement allows these muscles to combine forces for powerful plantarflexion. Injuries to this tendon impair walking and running. More details at TeachMeAnatomy.
The plantaris muscle arises from which site on the femur?
Adductor tubercle
Lateral supracondylar line
Medial epicondyle
Intercondylar notch
The plantaris originates from the lateral supracondylar line of the femur, just above the lateral head of the gastrocnemius. It has a small muscle belly and a long, slender tendon. It is sometimes absent in up to 10% of individuals. Reference: Visible Body.
The plantaris muscle inserts by a long tendon onto which bone?
Talus
Calcaneus
Navicular
Cuboid
The long tendon of the plantaris runs between the gastrocnemius and soleus before joining the calcaneal tendon to insert on the calcaneus. Despite its small size, this tendon can be harvested for grafts. More at Visible Body.
The popliteus muscle originates from which of the following?
Medial femoral condyle
Head of fibula
Lateral femoral condyle
Posterior tibia
The popliteus originates from the lateral femoral condyle and the lateral meniscus of the knee joint. It inserts on the posterior surface of the tibia above the soleal line. This muscle helps unlock the knee by rotating the femur laterally on the tibia. See TeachMeAnatomy.
Where does the popliteus muscle insert?
Fibular head
Lateral tibial condyle
Medial femoral condyle
Posterior tibia above soleal line
The popliteus inserts on the posterior surface of the tibia above the soleal line. By pulling on the posterior tibia, it medially rotates the tibia (or laterally rotates the femur) to unlock the knee. Its position deep to the gastrocnemius allows it to act at the knee joint. More at TeachMeAnatomy.
What is the primary action of the flexor digitorum longus muscle?
Abducts toes
Flexes toes 2 - 5
Extends toes 2 - 5
Dorsiflexes foot
The flexor digitorum longus originates on the tibia and its tendon passes behind the medial malleolus to insert on the distal phalanges of toes 2 - 5. It flexes these toes and helps maintain the longitudinal arch of the foot. Details at TeachMeAnatomy.
What is the main function of the flexor hallucis longus muscle?
Extends the great toe
Everts the foot
Flexes the great toe
Inverts the foot
The flexor hallucis longus runs in a groove on the posterior talus, passing under the sustentaculum tali before inserting on the distal phalanx of the great toe. It flexes the hallux and contributes to plantarflexion. Further reading at TeachMeAnatomy.
The tibialis posterior muscle primarily performs which movements?
Plantarflexion and inversion of the foot
Plantarflexion and eversion
Dorsiflexion and eversion
Dorsiflexion and inversion
Tibialis posterior originates from the posterior tibia, fibula, and interosseous membrane, inserting on the navicular and medial cuneiform. It inverts the foot and assists with plantarflexion. It also supports the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. More at TeachMeAnatomy.
Which deep posterior compartment muscle lies most laterally at the ankle?
Flexor hallucis longus
Tibialis posterior
Popliteus
Flexor digitorum longus
In the tarsal tunnel, from anterior to posterior, the order is tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, posterior tibial artery, posterior tibial nerve, and flexor hallucis longus. Thus, FHL lies most posterior (and lateral) in that space. Reference: TeachMeAnatomy.
To which bony prominence does the tibialis posterior tendon primarily attach?
Medial malleolus
Lateral cuneiform
Navicular tuberosity
Calcaneus
The main insertion of tibialis posterior is the navicular tuberosity, with additional slips to the cuneiforms and bases of metatarsals 2 - 4. This attachment is key to maintaining the medial longitudinal arch. See TeachMeAnatomy.
What structure holds the posterior compartment tendons in place at the ankle?
Cruciate crural ligament
Superior extensor retinaculum
Inferior peroneal retinaculum
Flexor retinaculum
The flexor retinaculum (laciniate ligament) spans from the medial malleolus to the calcaneus, holding the tendons of tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, and flexor hallucis longus in place as they pass into the foot. It forms the roof of the tarsal tunnel. More at TeachMeAnatomy.
Which muscle assists in both plantarflexion of the foot and flexion of the knee?
Gastrocnemius
Soleus
Tibialis posterior
Popliteus
Because it crosses both the knee and ankle joints, the gastrocnemius contributes to knee flexion as well as powerful plantarflexion. The soleus only crosses the ankle, while popliteus and tibialis posterior act at the knee and foot respectively. See TeachMeAnatomy.
Which tendon is found deepest within the tarsal tunnel?
Flexor digitorum longus
Peroneus longus
Flexor hallucis longus
Tibialis posterior
Within the tarsal tunnel, the flexor hallucis longus tendon lies most posterior (deepest) under the flexor retinaculum, following the posterior tibial artery and nerve. It then curves under the foot to flex the great toe. Details at TeachMeAnatomy.
What is the role of the popliteus muscle at the knee joint?
Plantarflexes the foot
Extends the knee
Unlocks the knee by medially rotating the tibia
Abducts the leg
The popliteus initiates knee flexion by laterally rotating the femur on the tibia (or medially rotating the tibia on the femur) to 'unlock' the extended knee. It stabilizes the posterior knee and helps prevent lateral rotation when standing. More at TeachMeAnatomy.
Which muscle originates largely from the posterior surface of the fibula and interosseous membrane?
Flexor digitorum longus
Flexor hallucis longus
Soleus
Popliteus
Flexor hallucis longus arises from the distal two-thirds of the posterior fibula and the adjacent interosseous membrane. Its tendon then travels behind the medial malleolus to the foot. This origin gives it a strong lever arm for hallux flexion. See TeachMeAnatomy.
Which posterior compartment muscle is primarily involved in proprioception rather than powerful movement?
Soleus
Plantaris
Gastrocnemius
Popliteus
The plantaris has a small muscle belly and long tendon, contributing minimally to force generation. Its high density of proprioceptive receptors suggests it monitors knee and ankle position. It is often harvested for tendon grafts due to its expendability. Reference: Visible Body.
Palpation of the tendon located just posterior to the medial malleolus most anteriorly identifies which muscle?
Flexor hallucis longus
Flexor digitorum longus
Tibialis posterior
Gastrocnemius
In the tarsal tunnel, from anterior to posterior, you palpate tibialis posterior first, then flexor digitorum longus, then artery, nerve, and flexor hallucis longus. The most anterior tendon behind the medial malleolus is tibialis posterior. More at TeachMeAnatomy.
The transverse intermuscular septum in the leg separates which muscle compartments?
Superficial and deep posterior compartments
Deep posterior and anterior
Lateral and superficial posterior
Anterior and lateral compartments
The transverse intermuscular septum divides the posterior compartment into superficial (gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris) and deep (tibialis posterior, FDL, FHL, popliteus) groups. This septum helps compartmentalize and direct neurovascular structures. See TeachMeAnatomy.
Which muscle's tendon courses through a groove on the posterior aspect of the talus?
Tibialis posterior
Popliteus
Flexor digitorum longus
Flexor hallucis longus
The flexor hallucis longus tendon runs in a groove on the posterior surface of the talus, then under the sustentaculum tali before entering the sole to flex the great toe. Its route provides mechanical advantage. Reference: TeachMeAnatomy.
Which superficial posterior muscle originates from the soleal line of the tibia?
Soleus
Popliteus
Gastrocnemius
Plantaris
The soleus originates from the soleal line on the posterior tibia, as well as the fibular head. Its broad origin allows for a large, multipennate muscle belly specialized for posture and endurance. More at TeachMeAnatomy.
What percentage of the population may lack the plantaris muscle?
50%
Approximately 10%
90%
1%
Studies indicate the plantaris is absent in around 7 - 20% of individuals, often cited near 10%. Its small size and variable presence underscore its vestigial nature. Surgeons consider this when harvesting the tendon for grafts. See NCBI.
Which branch of the tibial nerve innervates the soleus muscle?
Medial plantar branch
Sural branch
Soleal branch
Recurrent branch
The tibial nerve divides into a soleal branch before entering the soleus, providing motor fibers specifically to this muscle. This branch arises in the popliteal fossa. Knowing this helps localize lesion levels. Reference: ScienceDirect.
Which bursa lies between the calcaneus and the calcaneal tendon?
Trochanteric bursa
Retrocalcaneal bursa
Subtendinous bursa
Prepatellar bursa
The retrocalcaneal bursa sits deep to the calcaneal tendon, reducing friction between tendon and bone. Inflammation of this bursa causes retrocalcaneal bursitis, often misdiagnosed as Achilles tendinopathy. More at NCBI.
The posterior tibial artery divides at the plantar surface to form which arteries?
Deep plantar arch
Perforating peroneal arteries
Medial and lateral plantar arteries
Dorsalis pedis artery
After passing through the tarsal tunnel, the posterior tibial artery splits into medial and lateral plantar arteries, which supply the sole of the foot and contribute to the plantar arch. This division is critical for foot circulation. Reference: TeachMeAnatomy.
Which anatomical structures pass between the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius?
Tibial nerve only
Achilles tendon
Popliteal artery and vein
Small saphenous vein only
The popliteal artery and vein lie deep in the popliteal fossa, traversing between the two heads of the gastrocnemius. The tibial nerve also passes through the fossa but medial to the vessels. Recognizing this relationship is vital in vascular surgery. See TeachMeAnatomy.
In the tarsal tunnel, what is the correct order of structures from anterior to posterior?
Tibialis posterior, Flexor hallucis longus, Posterior tibial artery, Posterior tibial nerve, Flexor digitorum longus
Tibialis posterior, Flexor digitorum longus, Posterior tibial nerve, Posterior tibial artery, Flexor hallucis longus
Flexor digitorum longus, Tibialis posterior, Posterior tibial artery, Posterior tibial nerve, Flexor hallucis longus
Tibialis posterior, Flexor digitorum longus, Posterior tibial artery, Posterior tibial nerve, Flexor hallucis longus
The mnemonic "Tom, Dick, ANd Harry" helps recall the order in the tarsal tunnel: Tibialis posterior, flexor Digitorum longus, posterior tibial Artery, posterior tibial Nerve, flexor Hallucis longus. This sequence is crucial in surgical decompression. More at TeachMeAnatomy.
Which muscle contributes most to maintaining the medial longitudinal arch of the foot?
Tibialis posterior
Flexor hallucis longus
Gastrocnemius
Popliteus
Tibialis posterior supports the medial longitudinal arch through its broad insertion on the navicular and cuneiforms. Dysfunction or rupture leads to adult-acquired flatfoot deformity. Its role is both dynamic and static. See NCBI.
Which muscle has a long thin tendon often harvested for tendon grafts due to its minimal functional impact?
Soleus
Tibialis posterior
Gastrocnemius
Plantaris
The plantaris tendon is long, thin, and expendable, making it ideal for tendon grafting in reconstructive surgery. Its absence in up to 10% of people reflects its vestigial status. Surgeons carefully harvest it without compromising foot function. Reference: NCBI.
Which muscle in the posterior compartment is multipennate in structure?
Plantaris
Soleus
Popliteus
Gastrocnemius
The soleus has a multipennate architecture with fibers converging on a central tendon, optimizing force generation for posture and endurance. Gastrocnemius is bipennate, and others are fusiform or unipennate. See TeachMeAnatomy.
Which posterior compartment muscle sends tendinous slips to all tarsal bones except the talus?
Flexor hallucis longus
Tibialis posterior
Gastrocnemius
Flexor digitorum longus
Tibialis posterior divides into multiple tendinous slips inserting on the navicular, cuneiforms, cuboid, and metatarsal bases, but not the talus. These insertions are vital for arch support. Reference: TeachMeAnatomy.
Which artery provides the perforating branch that anastomoses with the lateral malleolar branch of the posterior tibial artery?
Anterior tibial artery
Fibular (peroneal) artery
Dorsalis pedis artery
Popliteal artery
The fibular artery, a branch of the posterior tibial artery, gives off perforating branches that contribute to the ankle's anastomotic network, including the lateral malleolar arcade. This helps maintain collateral flow. See TeachMeAnatomy.
What is the primary reason the plantaris is considered a vestigial muscle?
Sole foot inversion
Large size
Minimal strength generation and occasional absence
Unique vascular supply
The plantaris generates very little force due to its small muscle belly and long tendon. It is absent in up to 20% of people and functions mainly in proprioception. These features classify it as vestigial. Reference: NCBI.
Which structure is NOT an attachment site for the tibialis posterior tendon?
Cuboid
Talus
Navicular
Medial cuneiform
Tibialis posterior inserts on the navicular, cuneiforms, cuboid, and bases of metatarsals 2 - 4, but not the talus. Its broad insertion supports the medial arch. Understanding these attachments is critical in flatfoot pathology. Reference: TeachMeAnatomy.
In posterior compartment syndrome, which muscle typically shows the earliest ischemic signs?
Soleus
Gastrocnemius
Tibialis posterior
Plantaris
Because of its small fascia enclosure and limited collateral blood flow, the plantaris often displays ischemic changes first in compartment syndrome. Early recognition can guide fasciotomy decisions. See NCBI.
During surgical decompression of the tarsal tunnel, which structure is incised to relieve pressure?
Superior extensor retinaculum
Tibial periosteum
Interosseous membrane
Flexor retinaculum
Tarsal tunnel release involves incising the flexor retinaculum (laciniate ligament) to decompress the posterior tibial nerve and tendons. This alleviates tarsal tunnel syndrome symptoms. Further explanation at NCBI.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Key Muscles -

    Pinpoint the major muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg, from the gastrocnemius to the semimembranosus.

  2. Describe Origins and Insertions -

    Detail the attachment points of each muscle, clarifying where they begin and end on the skeletal framework.

  3. Explain Muscle Actions -

    Articulate the primary functions of these muscles, including plantarflexion of the foot and flexion of the knee.

  4. Differentiate Muscle Layers -

    Distinguish between the superficial and deep groups within the posterior leg compartment based on location and function.

  5. Analyze Functional Roles -

    Assess how each muscle contributes to movements like walking, running, and standing on tiptoes.

  6. Apply Practical Knowledge -

    Use anatomical models or self-palpation techniques to locate and evaluate these muscles in real-world settings.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Muscle Group Organization -

    The posterior compartment of the leg is divided into superficial and deep layers, housing six key muscles according to Gray's Anatomy. The superficial group comprises gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris, while the deep group includes tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, and flexor hallucis longus (University of Michigan Medical School). Understanding this layout clarifies how each muscle contributes to ankle and toe movements.

  2. Innervation and Blood Supply -

    All muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg are innervated by the tibial nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve, ensuring coordinated plantarflexion and inversion (Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy). The posterior tibial artery and peroneal artery supply oxygenated blood, which is crucial for muscle endurance in walking and running.

  3. Superficial Layer Origins and Insertions -

    The gastrocnemius originates from the femoral condyles and the soleus from the posterior tibia and fibula, all converging into the Achilles tendon inserting on the calcaneus (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons). This "triceps surae" complex generates powerful plantarflexion, propelling you forward in gait and jump activities.

  4. Deep Layer Functions and Mnemonic -

    The deep muscles perform plantarflexion and toe flexion, with tibialis posterior supporting the medial arch. Use the mnemonic "Tom, Dick And Very Naughty Harry" (Tibialis posterior, flexor Digitorum longus, posterior tibial Artery, posterior tibial Vein, tibial Nerve, flexor Hallucis longus) to recall their medial-to-lateral arrangement (Stanford University School of Medicine).

  5. Clinical Relevance: Compartment Syndrome -

    Increased pressure within the posterior compartment can cause acute compartment syndrome, risking nerve and muscle damage; immediate fasciotomy is often required (Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery). Recognizing early signs - pain out of proportion, paresthesia, and pallor - can be lifesaving for athletes and trauma patients alike.

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