Lower extremity

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Lower Extremity

The Lower Extremity or Lower Limb refers to the part of the human body extending from the hip to the foot. It includes the hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle, and foot. The lower extremity plays a crucial role in activities such as standing, walking, running, and jumping.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The lower extremity is divided into several parts:

  • Hip: The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that connects the lower limb to the pelvic bone. It is responsible for supporting the weight of the body in both static (e.g. standing) and dynamic (e.g. walking or running) postures.
  • Thigh: The thigh is the part of the lower limb located between the hip and the knee. It contains the femur, the longest bone in the human body.
  • Knee: The knee is a hinge joint that connects the thigh with the leg. It is one of the largest and most complex joints in the human body.
  • Leg: The leg is the part of the lower limb located between the knee and the ankle. It contains the tibia and fibula, the two bones located in the lower leg.
  • Ankle: The ankle is a hinge joint that connects the leg with the foot. It allows up-and-down movement of the foot.
  • Foot: The foot is the lowermost part of the lower limb. It is responsible for supporting the weight of the body and for propulsion during walking and running.

Function[edit | edit source]

The lower extremity plays a crucial role in many activities, including standing, walking, running, and jumping. It also plays a key role in maintaining balance and stability.

Diseases and Conditions[edit | edit source]

There are many diseases and conditions that can affect the lower extremity, including Arthritis, Diabetes, Peripheral Artery Disease, and Venous Insufficiency. Treatment for these conditions can range from medication and physical therapy to surgery.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Lower extremity Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD