Skeletal Muscles - Leg

Tibialis Anterior

Anterior muscle of the lower leg Dorsiflexion (Standing on heels)

Adductor Longus

Attached to the inner pelvis and femur This muscle adducts the thigh; with the other members of the Adductor group (Brevis and Magnus) has other minor actions such as lateral rotation of the thigh

Vastus Lateralis

Broader/Wider muscle lateral to the rectus femoris Extends the lower leg

Vastus Medialis

Broader/Wider muscle medial to the rectus femoris Extends the lower leg

Biceps Femoris

Bulges slightly on the lateral posterior thigh Flexes the lower leg

Soleus

Deeper "calf muscle" of the posterior lower leg Same action as gastrocnemius

Peroneus Longus

Lateral muscle of the lower leg "Fibularis Longus" Everts the foot (Walking on side of the foot)

Hamstrings Group

Located mostly on the posterior thigh, but not quite as centered As a group, All three flex the lower leg

Semimembranosus

Most medial of the three; seems to be wrapped close to previous muscle by connective tissue Flexes the lower leg

Semitendinosus

Mostly central muscle; Seems to be wrapped close to the following muscle by connective tissue Flexes the lower leg

Vastus Intermedialis

Not easily seen since it is directly behind the Rectus Femoris; In between the other two Vastus Muscles Extends the lower leg

Sartorius

Relatively thin, belt-like muscle that runs diagonally across the thigh from near the hip to inside the knee Flexes and laterally rotates the thigh; Pretzel sitting

Rectus Femoris

Slender, straight muscle in the center of the anterior thigh this muscle may also help to flex the thigh (raising the knee)

Gastrocnemius

Superficial "calf muscle" of the posterior lower leg With the soleus, plantar flexion of the foot (Standing on toes)

Quadriceps Femoris Group

This group is located on the anterior side of the thigh As a group, all four may extend the lower leg