In anatomical terms, where is the tibialis anterior muscle located?

• A. On the posterior (back) aspect of the leg, forming the bulk of the calf
• B. On the lateral aspect of the thigh, adjacent to the femur
• C. On the anterior (front) aspect of the leg, lateral to the tibia
• D. On the plantar surface of the foot, supporting the arch

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the anatomical terminology: 'anterior' refers to the front of the body, 'posterior' to the back, 'lateral' means towards the side, and 'medial' means towards the midline.
2. Identify the tibia bone, which is the larger bone in the lower leg, located medially (towards the midline) in the leg.
3. Recall that the tibialis anterior muscle is named for its position relative to the tibia, indicating it is located near the tibia.
4. Recognize that the tibialis anterior muscle is situated on the front (anterior) part of the leg, specifically lateral to the tibia, meaning it lies just to the outside of the tibia on the anterior side.
5. Eliminate other options by matching their descriptions with known muscle locations: the calf bulk is formed by posterior muscles like the gastrocnemius, the lateral thigh muscles are different groups such as the vastus lateralis, and the plantar surface refers to the sole of the foot, not the leg.