Posterior compartment of leg

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Leg compartments.jpg
Posterior compartment of leg - gastrocnemius.png
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Posterior compartment of leg
Details
ArteryPosterior tibial artery, fibular artery
VeinPosterior tibial vein, fibular vein
NerveTibial nerve
Identifiers
Latincompartimentum cruris posterius
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Anatomical terminology
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The posterior compartment of the leg is one of the four compartments of the leg. It is divided into two sub-compartments: the superficial posterior compartment and the deep posterior compartment. This compartment is primarily involved in plantarflexion of the foot and toes.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The posterior compartment is bordered by the tibia and fibula bones, the interosseous membrane, and the deep fascia of the leg.

Superficial Posterior Compartment[edit | edit source]

The superficial posterior compartment contains the following muscles:

These muscles are primarily responsible for plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle joint.

Deep Posterior Compartment[edit | edit source]

The deep posterior compartment contains the following muscles:

These muscles are involved in plantarflexion of the foot and toes, as well as inversion of the foot.

Blood Supply[edit | edit source]

The blood supply to the posterior compartment of the leg is provided by the posterior tibial artery and the fibular artery. Venous return is through the posterior tibial vein and the fibular vein.

Innervation[edit | edit source]

The tibial nerve innervates the muscles of the posterior compartment. This nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve and provides motor and sensory functions to the lower leg and foot.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Conditions affecting the posterior compartment of the leg include compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage to the muscles and nerves.

See Also[edit | edit source]


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD