Posterior compartment of leg

Posterior compartment of leg
Cross-section through middle of leg.
Muscles of the lower extremity.
Details
System	Muscular system
Artery	Posterior tibial artery
Nerve	Tibial nerve
Lymph	Popliteal lymph nodes
Identifiers
Latin	Compartimentum cruris posterius
TA98
TH	{{#property:P1694}}
TE	{{#property:P1693}}
FMA	{{#property:P1402}}
Anatomical terminology

The Posterior compartment of leg is a specific region of the lower limb, located in the back part of the leg. It contains seven muscles, which can be grouped into two layers: superficial and deep. The muscles in this compartment are mainly responsible for plantar flexion and foot inversion movements.

Anatomy

The posterior compartment of the leg is divided into two layers: the superficial layer and the deep layer.

Superficial Layer

The superficial layer contains three muscles: the gastrocnemius, the soleus, and the plantaris.

File:Gastrocnemius muscle.PNG

Gastrocnemius muscle

File:Soleus muscle.PNG

Soleus muscle

File:Plantaris muscle.PNG

Plantaris muscle

Deep Layer

The deep layer contains four muscles: the popliteus, the flexor hallucis longus, the flexor digitorum longus, and the tibialis posterior.

File:Popliteus muscle.PNG

Popliteus muscle

File:Flexor hallucis longus muscle.PNG

Flexor hallucis longus muscle

File:Flexor digitorum longus muscle.PNG

Flexor digitorum longus muscle

File:Tibialis posterior muscle.PNG

Tibialis posterior muscle

Function

The muscles in the posterior compartment of the leg are primarily responsible for plantar flexion of the foot at the ankle, and flexion of the toes. They also assist in inversion and support of the arches of the foot.

Clinical significance

Injuries to the muscles or nerves of the posterior compartment can lead to a condition known as compartment syndrome.

See also

• Anterior compartment of leg
• Lateral compartment of leg