Lower Limb - Bones - Thigh and Lower Leg

Bones of the Thigh and Lower Leg Femur Femur Is the longest and strongest bone of the body. Head Forms about two thirds of a sphere and is directed medially, upward, and slightly forward to fit into the acetabulum. Has a depression in its articular surface, the fovea capitis femoris , to which the ligamentum capitis femoris is attached. Neck Connects the head to the body (shaft), forms an angle of about 125 degrees with the shaft, and is a common site of fractures. Is separated from the shaft in front by the intertrochanteric line , to which the iliofemoral ligament is attached. Greater trochanter Projects upward from the junction of the neck with the shaft. Provides an insertion for the gluteus medius and minimus, piriformis, and obturator internus muscles. Receives the obturator externus tendon on the medial aspect of the trochanteric fossa. Lesser trochanter Lies in the angle between the neck and the shaft. Projects at the inferior end of the intertrochanteric crest. Provides an insertion for the iliopsoas tendon. Linea aspera Is the rough line or ridge on the body (shaft) of the femur. Exhibits lateral and medial lips that provide attachments for many muscles and the three intermuscular septa. Pectineal line Runs from the lesser trochanter to the medial lip of the linea aspera. Provides an insertion for the pectineus muscle. Adductor tubercle Is a small prominence at the uppermost part of the medial femoral condyle. Provides an insertion for the adductor magnus muscle. Patella Patella Is the largest sesamoid bone located within the tendon of the quadriceps femoris, which articulates with the femur but not with the tibia. Attaches to the tibial tuberosity by a continuation of the quadriceps tendon called the patellar ligament. Functions to obviate wear and attrition on the quadriceps tendon as it passes across the trochlear groove and to increase the angle of pull of the quadriceps femoris, thereby magnifying its power. Tibia Tibia Is the weight-bearing medial bone of the leg. Has the tibial tuberosity into which the patellar ligament inserts. Has medial and lateral condyles that articulate with the condyles of the femur. Has a projection called the medial malleolus with a malleolar groove for the tendons of the tibialis posterior and flexor digitorum longus muscles and another groove (posterolateral to the malleolus groove) for the tendon of the flexor hallucis longus muscle. It also provides attachment for the deltoid ligament. Fibula Fibula Has little or no function in weight bearing but provides attachment for muscles. Has a head (apex) that provides attachment for the fibular collateral ligament of the knee joint. Has a projection called the lateral malleolus that articulates with the trochlea of the talus; lies more inferior and posterior than the medial malleolus; and provides attachment for the anterior talofibular, posterior talofibular, and calcaneofibular ligaments. It also has the sulcus for the peroneus longus and brevis muscle tendons. ◄.....Go back to the Gross Anatomy homepage