FACTS & HINTS
HIGH-YIELD FACTS
Anatomic Points
Functional Overview of the Lower Limb
The lower limb supports the body weight and permits locomotion. It is firmly attached through the rigid pelvis to the vertebral column. The joints are
relatively stable and influenced by the line of gravity; this line passes posterior to the hip joint, anterior to the knee, and anterior to the ankle. Thus
only the calf muscles need to contract to maintain an upright posture. Clinically the limb is divided into four compartments: gluteal, thigh, leg and
foot.
page 243
page 244Lower Limb Development
The general plan of the lower limb is similar to the upper limb; however, during development the lower limb undergoes medial rotation, bringing the
extensors of the knee, ankle and toes anteriorly with the knee pointing forwards. The hip is unaffected, so hip flexors remain anterior and the
extensors posterior.
Clinical Points
Varicose Veins
Dilated superficial veins most commonly seen in the posteromedial parts of the lower limb
Result from absent or faulty valves in the communicating veins between the deep and superficial venous systems of the limb
Secondary failure of the saphenofemoral valve may occur
Stagnation of blood in these vessels predisposes to thrombosis and subsequent inflammation = thrombophlebitis