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Skeletal Muscles of the Leg and Foot

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  • Quadriceps femoris group

    Extends the knee; rectus femoris also flexes the hip.

  • Hamstring group

    Flexes the knee and extends the hip.

  • Gluteus maximus

    Extends and laterally rotates the hip.

  • Gluteus medius and minimus

    Abduct and medially rotate the thigh; stabilize the pelvis during walking.

  • Adductor group

    Adduct the thigh (bring it toward the midline).

  • Tibialis anterior

    Dorsiflexes the foot (lifts the foot upward) and inverts the foot.

  • Gastrocnemius

    Plantarflexes the foot (points the toes downward) and flexes the knee.

  • Soleus

    Plantarflexes the foot.

  • Fibularis (peroneus) longus and brevis

    Evert the foot and assist in plantarflexion.

  • Extensor digitorum longus

    Extends the toes and dorsiflexes the foot.

  • Flexor digitorum longus

    Flexes the toes and assists in plantarflexion.

  • Intrinsic foot muscles

    Control fine movements of the toes and help maintain the arches of the foot.

  • Primary movements controlled by leg and foot muscles

    Movement of the hip, knee, ankle, and toes.

  • Functions of leg and foot muscles in activities

    Walking, running, jumping, and balance.

  • Role of leg and foot muscles in foot structure

    Support and stabilization of the foot arches.