Posterior intermuscular septum of leg

Posterior intermuscular septum of leg

Cross-section through middle of leg. (Posterior intermuscular septum not labeled, but region is visible.)
Latin	septum intermusculare cruris posterius

The posterior intermuscular septum of the leg is a significant anatomical structure in the lower limb. It is a band of connective tissue that separates different muscle groups in the leg, specifically dividing the posterior compartment from the lateral compartment.

Anatomy

The posterior intermuscular septum is a part of the fascia of the leg, which is a dense layer of connective tissue that envelops the muscles. It extends from the fibula to the deep fascia of the leg, running vertically along the length of the leg.

Location

The septum is located on the lateral side of the leg, where it separates the muscles of the posterior compartment, such as the gastrocnemius and soleus, from those in the lateral compartment, including the fibularis longus and fibularis brevis.

Function

The primary function of the posterior intermuscular septum is to provide a partition between muscle groups, which helps in organizing the muscles and their associated nerves and blood vessels. This separation is crucial for the independent function of the muscle groups and for the passage of neurovascular structures.

Clinical Significance

Understanding the anatomy of the posterior intermuscular septum is important in clinical settings, particularly in surgeries involving the leg. It is also relevant in the context of compartment syndrome, where increased pressure within a muscle compartment can lead to muscle and nerve damage.

Also see

• Anterior intermuscular septum of leg
• Lateral intermuscular septum of thigh
• Fascia of leg
• Compartment syndrome