Anterior compartment of thigh

Anterior compartment of thigh
Cross-section through the middle of the thigh.
Front of thigh, showing surface markings for bones and nerves.
Details
Identifiers
Latin	Compartimentum femoris anterius
TA98
TH	{{#property:P1694}}
TE	{{#property:P1693}}
FMA	{{#property:P1402}}
Anatomical terminology

The Anterior compartment of thigh refers to the area located at the front part of the thigh. It is one of the three compartments in the thigh, the other two being the medial and posterior compartments.

Anatomy

The anterior compartment is separated from the posterior compartment by the femur and the vastus intermedius muscle. It contains four muscles, which are primarily responsible for knee extension and hip flexion.

Muscles

• Rectus femoris
• Vastus lateralis
• Vastus medialis
• Vastus intermedius

Function

The muscles in the anterior compartment of the thigh are mainly involved in knee extension and hip flexion. They are innervated by the femoral nerve.

Clinical significance

Injuries to the anterior compartment of the thigh can lead to a condition known as compartment syndrome.

See also

• Thigh
• Muscles of the lower limb