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| Region | Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Action | Innervation | Artery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facial Expression | Orbicularis Oculi | Medial orbital margin, palpebral ligament | Skin around orbit, eyelids | Closes eyelids (blink, squint) | Facial n. (VII) | Facial, ophthalmic aa. | Key in blink reflex; weakness → exposure keratitis |
| Orbicularis Oris | Maxilla & mandible (around mouth) | Skin/mucosa of lips | Closes, protrudes lips | Facial n. | Labial branches of facial a. | “Kissing muscle” | |
| Buccinator | Pterygomandibular raphe, alveolar margins | Orbicularis oris (corner of mouth) | Compresses cheek, aids mastication | Facial n. | Buccal a. | Pierced by parotid duct | |
| Frontalis (Occipitofrontalis, frontal belly) | Epicranial aponeurosis | Skin of forehead, eyebrows | Raises eyebrows, wrinkles forehead | Facial n. | Superficial temporal a. | Communicates emotion | |
| Platysma | Fascia over clavicle/pectoralis | Mandible, skin of lower face | Tenses skin of neck, depresses mandible | Facial n. | Submental a. | Superficial, thin sheet in anterior neck | |
| Mastication | Masseter | Zygomatic arch | Angle & ramus of mandible | Elevates mandible | Mandibular n. (V3) | Masseteric a. | Powerful jaw closer |
| Temporalis | Temporal fossa | Coronoid process of mandible | Elevates, retracts mandible | V3 (deep temporal nn.) | Deep temporal aa. | Main retractor of mandible | |
| Medial Pterygoid | Medial surface lateral pterygoid plate | Medial mandibular ramus | Elevates, protrudes mandible | V3 | Pterygoid branches maxillary a. | Forms “pterygoid sling” with masseter | |
| Lateral Pterygoid | Lateral surface lateral pterygoid plate | Neck of mandible, TMJ capsule | Protrudes, depresses mandible; side-to-side | V3 | Pterygoid branches maxillary a. | Opens mouth (protraction + depression) | |
| Tongue | Genioglossus | Mental spine of mandible | Tongue & hyoid | Protrudes tongue | Hypoglossal n. (XII) | Lingual a. | Main tongue protruder; keeps airway patent |
| Hyoglossus | Hyoid bone | Side of tongue | Depresses tongue | Hypoglossal n. | Lingual a. | Lingual a. runs deep, hypoglossal n. superficial | |
| Styloglossus | Styloid process | Side of tongue | Retracts, elevates tongue | Hypoglossal n. | Ascending pharyngeal a. | Works with genioglossus in swallowing | |
| Palatoglossus | Palatine aponeurosis | Side of tongue | Elevates posterior tongue | Vagus (X, via pharyngeal plexus) | Ascending palatine a. | Only tongue muscle not by XII | |
| Pharynx & Soft Palate | Superior / Middle / Inferior Pharyngeal Constrictors | Pterygoid hamulus, hyoid, thyroid/cricoid cartilage | Median pharyngeal raphe | Constrict pharynx (swallowing) | Vagus (X, pharyngeal plexus) | Ascending pharyngeal a. | Sequential contraction propels bolus |
| Levator Veli Palatini | Petrous temporal bone, auditory tube | Palatine aponeurosis | Elevates soft palate | Vagus (X) | Ascending palatine a. | Blocks nasopharynx in swallowing | |
| Tensor Veli Palatini | Scaphoid fossa, auditory tube | Palatine aponeurosis | Tenses soft palate, opens auditory tube | Mandibular n. (V3) | Ascending palatine a. | Hooks around pterygoid hamulus | |
| Larynx | Posterior Cricoarytenoid | Posterior cricoid | Arytenoid cartilage | Abducts vocal cords (opens airway) | Recurrent laryngeal n. (X) | Superior & inferior laryngeal aa. | Only abductor of cords → breathing |
| Lateral Cricoarytenoid | Lateral cricoid | Arytenoid cartilage | Adducts vocal cords | Recurrent laryngeal n. | Laryngeal branches | Closes rima glottidis | |
| Cricothyroid | Cricoid cartilage | Inferior thyroid cartilage | Tenses cords (raises pitch) | External branch superior laryngeal n. | Cricothyroid a. | Only laryngeal muscle not by recurrent laryngeal | |
| Neck | Sternocleidomastoid | Manubrium & clavicle | Mastoid process | Rotates head opposite side, flexes neck | Spinal accessory n. (XI), C2–C3 proprioception | Occipital a. | Clinical landmark for triangles of neck |
| Scalenes (Ant, Mid, Post) | Cervical TPs | 1st & 2nd ribs | Elevate ribs (inspiration), flex neck | Cervical spinal nn. | Ascending cervical a. | Brachial plexus passes between ant & mid | |
| Sternohyoid | Manubrium, clavicle | Hyoid | Depresses hyoid | Ansa cervicalis (C1–C3) | Superior thyroid a. | Infrahyoid “strap” muscle | |
| Sternothyroid | Manubrium | Thyroid cartilage | Depresses larynx | Ansa cervicalis | Superior thyroid a. | Deep to sternohyoid | |
| Omohyoid | Superior scapula | Hyoid | Depresses hyoid | Ansa cervicalis | Inferior thyroid a. | Has two bellies with intermediate tendon | |
| Mylohyoid | Mylohyoid line (mandible) | Hyoid, midline raphe | Elevates floor of mouth | Mylohyoid n. (V3) | Submental a. | Forms oral diaphragm |
| Region | Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Action | Innervation | Artery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoulder / Scapular | Deltoid | Clavicle, acromion, spine of scapula | Deltoid tuberosity (humerus) | Abducts (15–90°), flex/IR (ant.), extend/ER (post.) | Axillary n. (C5–C6) | Posterior circumflex humeral a. | Main shoulder abductor; fails in axillary n. injury |
| Supraspinatus | Supraspinous fossa | Greater tubercle (superior facet) | Initiates abduction (0–15°) | Suprascapular n. | Suprascapular a. | Commonly torn rotator cuff muscle | |
| Infraspinatus | Infraspinous fossa | Greater tubercle (middle facet) | Lateral rotation | Suprascapular n. | Suprascapular a. | Part of rotator cuff | |
| Teres Minor | Lateral border of scapula | Greater tubercle (inferior facet) | Lateral rotation | Axillary n. | Circumflex scapular a. | Rotator cuff muscle | |
| Subscapularis | Subscapular fossa | Lesser tubercle of humerus | Medial rotation, adduction | Upper & lower subscapular nn. | Subscapular a. | Only rotator cuff muscle inserting on lesser tubercle | |
| Teres Major | Inferior angle of scapula | Medial lip of intertubercular sulcus | Adduction, medial rotation | Lower subscapular n. | Circumflex scapular a. | “Lat’s little helper” | |
| Serratus Anterior | Ribs 1–8 | Medial scapular border | Protracts, upwardly rotates scapula | Long thoracic n. | Lateral thoracic a. | Winged scapula if paralysed | |
| Arm – Anterior | Biceps Brachii | Short: coracoid; Long: supraglenoid tubercle | Radial tuberosity, bicipital aponeurosis | Flexes elbow, supinates forearm | Musculocutaneous n. (C5–C6) | Brachial a. | Supination most powerful when elbow flexed |
| Brachialis | Anterior humeral shaft | Coronoid process of ulna | Main elbow flexor | Musculocutaneous n. | Brachial a. | Deep to biceps | |
| Coracobrachialis | Coracoid process | Medial mid-humerus | Flexes, adducts arm | Musculocutaneous n. | Brachial a. | Musculocutaneous n. pierces it | |
| Arm – Posterior | Triceps Brachii | Long: infraglenoid tubercle; Lat/Med: posterior humerus | Olecranon process | Main elbow extensor | Radial n. (C6–C8) | Deep brachial a. | Long head crosses shoulder joint |
| Forearm – Anterior
Superficial |
Pronator Teres | Medial epicondyle, coronoid process | Lateral mid-radius | Pronation, weak elbow flexion | Median n. | Ulnar a. | Median n. passes between 2 heads |
| Flexor Carpi Radialis | Medial epicondyle | Base of 2nd/3rd metacarpal | Flexes, abducts wrist | Median n. | Radial a. | Pierces flexor retinaculum | |
| Palmaris Longus | Medial epicondyle | Palmar aponeurosis | Flexes wrist | Median n. | Ulnar a. | Absent in ~15% population | |
| Flexor Carpi Ulnaris | Medial epicondyle, olecranon | Pisiform, hook of hamate, 5th metacarpal | Flexes, adducts wrist | Ulnar n. | Ulnar a. | Ulnar n. runs between its heads | |
| Flexor Digitorum Superficialis | Medial epicondyle, radius | Middle phalanges digits 2–5 | Flexes PIP & MCP joints | Median n. | Ulnar a. | Forms intermediate layer | |
| Forearm – Anterior
Deep |
Flexor Digitorum Profundus | Ulna, interosseous membrane | Distal phalanges 2–5 | Flexes DIP joints | Ulnar n. (medial ½), Median n. (lateral ½) | Anterior interosseous a. | Dual innervation |
| Flexor Pollicis Longus | Radius, interosseous membrane | Distal phalanx of thumb | Flexes thumb | Median n. (ant. interosseous) | Anterior interosseous a. | Key for grip strength | |
| Pronator Quadratus | Distal ulna | Distal radius | Main pronator | Median n. (ant. interosseous) | Anterior interosseous a. | Deepest anterior forearm muscle | |
| Forearm – Posterior
Superficial |
Brachioradialis | Lateral supracondylar ridge | Styloid process of radius | Flexes elbow (mid-pronation) | Radial n. | Radial recurrent a. | “Drinking muscle” |
| Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus | Lateral supracondylar ridge | Base of 2nd metacarpal | Extends, abducts wrist | Radial n. | Radial a. | Part of “mobile wad” | |
| Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis | Lateral epicondyle | Base of 3rd metacarpal | Extends, abducts wrist | Deep branch radial n. | Radial a. | Tennis elbow origin | |
| Extensor Digitorum | Lateral epicondyle | Extensor expansions digits 2–5 | Extends fingers | Posterior interosseous n. | Posterior interosseous a. | Main finger extensor | |
| Extensor Digiti Minimi | Lateral epicondyle | Extensor expansion 5th digit | Extends little finger | Posterior interosseous n. | Posterior interosseous a. | Specialises finger 5 | |
| Extensor Carpi Ulnaris | Lateral epicondyle, ulna | Base of 5th metacarpal | Extends, adducts wrist | Posterior interosseous n. | Ulnar a. | Active in gripping | |
| Forearm – Posterior
Deep |
Supinator | Lateral epicondyle, supinator crest of ulna | Proximal radius | Supinates forearm | Deep branch radial n. | Radial recurrent a. | Radial n. passes through |
| Abductor Pollicis Longus | Posterior ulna & radius, interosseous membrane | Base of 1st metacarpal | Abducts thumb | Posterior interosseous n. | Posterior interosseous a. | Forms lateral snuffbox border | |
| Extensor Pollicis Brevis | Posterior radius | Base of proximal phalanx of thumb | Extends thumb (MCP) | Posterior interosseous n. | Posterior interosseous a. | Snuffbox border | |
| Extensor Pollicis Longus | Posterior ulna | Base distal phalanx of thumb | Extends thumb (IP) | Posterior interosseous n. | Posterior interosseous a. | Forms medial snuffbox border | |
| Extensor Indicis | Posterior ulna | Extensor expansion index finger | Extends index | Posterior interosseous n. | Posterior interosseous a. | Gives independence to index finger | |
| Hand – Thenar | Abductor Pollicis Brevis | Flexor retinaculum, scaphoid, trapezium | Proximal phalanx thumb (base) | Abducts thumb | Median n. (recurrent) | Superficial palmar br. radial a. | Superficial thenar muscle |
| Flexor Pollicis Brevis | Flexor retinaculum, trapezium | Base proximal phalanx thumb | Flexes thumb | Median n. (superficial head), Ulnar n. (deep head) | Superficial palmar br. radial a. | Dual innervation | |
| Opponens Pollicis | Flexor retinaculum, trapezium | Lateral 1st metacarpal | Opposes thumb | Median n. (recurrent) | Radial a. | Key for precision grip | |
| Hand – Hypothenar | Abductor Digiti Minimi | Pisiform | Base proximal phalanx 5th digit | Abducts little finger | Ulnar n. | Ulnar a. | Most medial hypothenar muscle |
| Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis | Hook of hamate, flexor retinaculum | Base proximal phalanx 5th digit | Flexes little finger | Ulnar n. | Ulnar a. | Absent in some individuals | |
| Opponens Digiti Minimi | Hook of hamate, flexor retinaculum | Medial border 5th metacarpal | Opposition of little finger | Ulnar n. | Ulnar a. | Deepest hypothenar muscle | |
| Hand – Central | Adductor Pollicis | Oblique head: metacarpals 2–3; Transverse head: 3rd metacarpal | Base proximal phalanx thumb | Adducts thumb | Ulnar n. (deep branch) | Deep palmar arch | Key pinch grip muscle |
| Lumbricals (1–4) | Tendons of FDP | Extensor expansions digits 2–5 | Flex MCP, extend IP joints | 1–2: Median n.; 3–4: Ulnar n. | Superficial & deep palmar arches | “Writing muscle” | |
| Interossei (Palmar, Dorsal) | Metacarpals | Bases proximal phalanges, extensor expansions | PAD = ADduct; DAB = ABduct fingers | Ulnar n. (deep branch) | Palmar & dorsal metacarpal aa. | Critical for finger spreading & closing |
| Region | Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Action | Innervation | Artery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thorax | Diaphragm | Xiphoid, lower 6 ribs, L1–L3 bodies (crura) | Central tendon | Main muscle of inspiration | Phrenic n. (C3–C5) | Phrenic, musculophrenic, inf. phrenic aa. | Openings: T8 (IVC), T10 (oesophagus), T12 (aorta) |
| External Intercostals | Inferior border of rib | Superior border of rib below | Elevate ribs (inspiration) | Intercostal nn. (T1–T11) | Intercostal aa. | Fibres run down & forward (“hands in pockets”) | |
| Internal Intercostals | Inferior border of rib | Superior border of rib below | Depress ribs (forced expiration) | Intercostal nn. | Intercostal aa. | Fibres run down & back (opposite to external) | |
| Innermost Intercostals | Inferior rib margin | Superior rib below | Assist respiration | Intercostal nn. | Intercostal aa. | Deepest layer; neurovascular bundle lies superficial | |
| Transversus Thoracis | Posterior sternum | Costal cartilages 2–6 | Depresses ribs (forced expiration) | Intercostal nn. | Internal thoracic aa. | Part of innermost layer; variable fibres | |
| Subcostals | Inner rib surface near angle | 2–3 ribs below | Assist in depressing ribs | Intercostal nn. | Intercostal aa. | Best seen posteriorly | |
| Abdomen | External Oblique | Lower 8 ribs | Linea alba, iliac crest, pubic tubercle | Flexes, rotates trunk; compresses viscera | T7–T12, iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal nn. | Lower intercostal, superior/inferior epigastric aa. | Forms inguinal ligament; gives spermatic fascia |
| Internal Oblique | Iliac crest, thoracolumbar fascia | Lower ribs, linea alba | Flexes, rotates trunk; compresses viscera | T7–T12, iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal nn. | Same as external | Forms cremaster muscle in males | |
| Transversus Abdominis | Costal cartilages 7–12, iliac crest | Linea alba | Compresses abdominal contents | T7–T12, L1 | Deep circumflex iliac, inferior epigastric aa. | Main “corset” muscle; deep abdominal stabiliser | |
| Rectus Abdominis | Pubic symphysis & crest | Xiphoid & 5th–7th costal cartilages | Flexes trunk; stabilises pelvis | T7–T12 intercostal nn. | Superior & inferior epigastric aa. | Interrupted by tendinous intersections (“six-pack”) | |
| Pyramidalis | Pubis | Linea alba | Tenses linea alba | T12 | Inferior epigastric a. | Absent in ~20% of people | |
| Psoas Major | L1–L5 vertebral bodies | Lesser trochanter (with iliacus) | Hip flexor, trunk flexor | L1–L3 ventral rami | Lumbar aa. | Key in posture & gait | |
| Iliacus | Iliac fossa | Lesser trochanter (with psoas) | Flexes thigh | Femoral n. (L2–L3) | Iliac branch of iliolumbar a. | With psoas = iliopsoas | |
| Pelvis & Perineum | Levator Ani (Puborectalis, Pubococcygeus, Iliococcygeus) | Pubis, ischial spine, tendinous arch | Coccyx, anococcygeal body | Supports pelvic viscera, maintains continence | Pudendal n., S3–S4 | Inferior gluteal a. | Main pelvic diaphragm muscle |
| Coccygeus (Ischiococcygeus) | Ischial spine | Coccyx & sacrum | Supports pelvic floor, pulls coccyx forward | S3–S4 | Inferior gluteal a. | Completes pelvic diaphragm posteriorly | |
| External Anal Sphincter | Perineal body | Coccyx & encircles anal canal | Voluntary anal continence | Inferior rectal branch pudendal n. | Inferior rectal a. | Voluntary, skeletal muscle | |
| Internal Anal Sphincter | Smooth muscle of anal wall | Encircles anal canal | Involuntary continence | Autonomic (S4, pelvic splanchnic) | Middle rectal a. | Involuntary smooth muscle | |
| Bulbospongiosus (M/F) | Perineal body | Clitoris / Corpus spongiosum | Compresses bulb; expels urine/semen | Pudendal n. | Perineal a. | Sexual function, ejaculation, erection | |
| Ischiocavernosus | Ischiopubic ramus | Crus of penis/clitoris | Compresses crus; maintains erection | Pudendal n. | Perineal a. | Sexual function | |
| Superficial & Deep Transverse Perineal | Ischial rami | Perineal body | Stabilise perineal body | Pudendal n. | Perineal a. | Support pelvic floor | |
| Detrusor (Bladder) | Wall of bladder | Wall of bladder | Contracts to void urine | Parasymp. (S2–S4) | Vesical aa. | Smooth muscle; failure → retention |
| Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Action | Innervation | Artery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🟢 Erector Spinae Group | ||||||
| Iliocostalis | Iliac crest, sacrum | Angles of ribs | Extends & laterally bends trunk/neck | Dorsal rami C4–S5 | Deep cervical, intercostal, lumbar aa. | Lateral column (lumborum, thoracis, cervicis) |
| Longissimus | Transverse processes (inferior) | Transverse processes (superior), mastoid | Extends & laterally bends trunk/neck/head | Dorsal rami C1–S1 | Deep cervical, intercostal, lumbar aa. | Intermediate column (thoracis, cervicis, capitis) |
| Spinalis | Spinous processes (lower) | Spinous processes (upper), skull base | Extension & lateral flexion | Dorsal rami C2–L3 | Deep cervical, intercostal, lumbar aa. | Most medial erector spinae |
| 🟣 Transversospinalis Group | ||||||
| Multifidus | Sacrum, TP C3–L5 | SP 2–4 levels above | Extension, contralateral rotation | Dorsal rami C1–L5 | Segmental supply | Key stabiliser |
| Semispinalis | TP C7–T12 | Skull (capitis) + SP 4–6 levels above | Extension, contralateral rotation | Dorsal rami C1–T12 | Segmental supply | Superficial to multifidus |
| Rotatores | Transverse processes | SP 1–2 levels above | Contralateral rotation | Dorsal rami C1–L5 | Segmental supply | Likely proprioceptive |
| Interspinales | SP (upper border) | SP above | Extension | Dorsal rami C1–L5 | Segmental supply | Small, insignificant |
| Intertransversarii | TP (upper border) | TP above | Lateral flexion | Dorsal rami C1–L5 | Segmental supply | Small, insignificant |
| 🔵 Suboccipital Muscles | ||||||
| Rectus Capitis Posterior Major | SP of C2 | Inferior nuchal line | Extension, ipsilateral rotation | Suboccipital nerve (C1 DPR) | Occipital a. | Forms border of suboccipital triangle |
| Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor | Posterior tubercle of C1 | Medial inferior nuchal line | Extension | Suboccipital nerve (C1 DPR) | Occipital a. | Deeper & more medial than major |
| Obliquus Capitis Superior | TP of C1 | Occiput above inferior nuchal line | Extension, ipsilateral rotation | Suboccipital nerve (C1 DPR) | Occipital a. | Forms suboccipital triangle |
| Obliquus Capitis Inferior | SP of C2 | TP of C1 | Ipsilateral rotation | Suboccipital nerve (C1 DPR) | Occipital a. | Greater occipital nerve passes above |
| 🟡 Splenius Group | ||||||
| Splenius Capitis | Ligamentum nuchae, SP C7–T6 | Mastoid, sup. nuchal line | Extension, ipsilateral rotation | Dorsal rami C2–C6 | Deep cervical, intercostal aa. | “Bandage” muscle of neck |
| Splenius Cervicis | SP C7–T6 | TP C1–C3 | Extension, ipsilateral rotation | Dorsal rami C2–C6 | Deep cervical, intercostal aa. | More caudal insertion |
✔️ Erector spinae mnemonic: “I Love Spaghetti” (Iliocostalis, Longissimus, Spinalis).
✔️ Transversospinalis mnemonic: “Some Muscles Rotate” (Semispinalis, Multifidus, Rotatores).
✔️ Suboccipital triangle: Borders = RCP Major, OCS, OCI. Contents = Vertebral artery + Suboccipital nerve.
✔️ Splenius = “bandage muscle” (wraps around neck).
| Region | Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Action | Innervation | Artery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gluteal | Gluteus Maximus | Ilium (posterior), sacrum, coccyx | Iliotibial tract, gluteal tuberosity | Extends & laterally rotates hip | Inferior gluteal n. | Inferior gluteal a. | Main power extensor; climbing/rising |
| Gluteus Medius | Lateral ilium | Greater trochanter | Abducts, medially rotates thigh | Superior gluteal n. | Superior gluteal a. | Trendelenburg sign | |
| Gluteus Minimus | Lateral ilium | Greater trochanter | Abducts, medially rotates thigh | Superior gluteal n. | Superior gluteal a. | Assists pelvis stabilisation | |
| Piriformis | Anterior sacrum | Greater trochanter | Lateral rotation, abduction (flexed) | N. to piriformis | Inferior gluteal a. | Sciatic nerve exits below | |
| Obturator Internus | Obturator membrane (internal) | Greater trochanter (medial) | Lateral rotation, abduction | N. to obturator internus | Obturator a. | Exits lesser sciatic foramen | |
| Gemelli (Sup & Inf) | Sup: ischial spine; Inf: ischial tuberosity | Greater trochanter (via obturator internus tendon) | Lateral rotation | Sup: n. to obt. internus; Inf: n. to quad. femoris | Inferior gluteal a. | Small twin muscles | |
| Quadratus Femoris | Ischial tuberosity (lat. border) | Intertrochanteric crest | Lateral rotation | N. to quadratus femoris | Inferior gluteal a. | Short quadrangular muscle | |
| Anterior Thigh | Iliopsoas | Iliac fossa & lumbar vertebrae | Lesser trochanter | Main hip flexor | Femoral n. (iliacus); L1–L3 (psoas) | Lumbar aa., femoral a. | Strongest hip flexor |
| Sartorius | ASIS | Pes anserinus | Flex, abduct, lat. rotate hip; flex knee | Femoral n. | Femoral a. | Longest muscle | |
| Rectus Femoris | AIIS & acetabular rim | Tibial tuberosity (via patella) | Knee extension; hip flexion | Femoral n. | Femoral a. | Biarticular quadriceps | |
| Vastus Lateralis | Greater trochanter, linea aspera | Tibial tuberosity | Knee extension | Femoral n. | Lateral circumflex femoral a. | Largest quadriceps | |
| Vastus Medialis | Linea aspera, intertrochanteric line | Tibial tuberosity | Knee extension | Femoral n. | Femoral a. | VMO stabilises patella | |
| Vastus Intermedius | Anterior femur | Tibial tuberosity | Knee extension | Femoral n. | Femoral a. | Deep to rectus femoris | |
| Medial Thigh | Adductor Longus | Pubis | Linea aspera (mid) | Adducts thigh | Obturator n. | Obturator a. | Forms femoral triangle border |
| Adductor Brevis | Inf. pubic ramus | Pectineal line, prox. linea aspera | Adducts thigh | Obturator n. | Obturator a. | Between longus & magnus | |
| Adductor Magnus | Pubis & ischial tuberosity | Linea aspera, adductor tubercle | Adducts; hamstring part extends hip | Obturator n. + Tibial n. | Obturator, deep femoral aa. | Adductor hiatus → popliteal | |
| Gracilis | Inf. pubic ramus | Pes anserinus | Adducts thigh, flexes knee | Obturator n. | Obturator a. | Only medial thigh crossing knee | |
| Pectineus | Pecten pubis | Pectineal line femur | Adducts, flexes hip | Femoral ± Obturator n. | Obturator, medial circumflex femoral | Often dual innervation | |
| Posterior Thigh | Biceps Femoris | Long: ischial tuberosity; Short: linea aspera | Head fibula | Extends hip, flexes knee | Long: Tibial n.; Short: Common fibular n. | Perforating branches | Hamstring prone to injury |
| Semitendinosus | Ischial tuberosity | Pes anserinus | Extends hip, flexes knee | Tibial n. | Deep femoral branches | Long cord-like tendon | |
| Semimembranosus | Ischial tuberosity | Post. medial tibial condyle | Extends hip, flexes knee | Tibial n. | Deep femoral branches | Contributes to oblique popliteal ligament | |
| Anterior Leg | Tibialis Anterior | Lateral tibia, interosseous membrane | Medial cuneiform, 1st metatarsal | Dorsiflexes, inverts foot | Deep fibular n. | Anterior tibial a. | Main dorsiflexor |
| Extensor Digitorum Longus | Lateral tibial condyle, fibula | Extensor expansions toes 2–5 | Extends toes, dorsiflexes | Deep fibular n. | Anterior tibial a. | Anterior compartment syndrome risk | |
| Extensor Hallucis Longus | Ant. fibula, interosseous membrane | Distal phalanx hallux | Extends hallux, dorsiflexes | Deep fibular n. | Anterior tibial a. | Thin, between TA & EDL | |
| Lateral Leg | Fibularis Longus | Upper lat. fibula | 1st metatarsal & medial cuneiform | Plantarflexes, everts | Superficial fibular n. | Fibular a. | Supports transverse arch |
| Fibularis Brevis | Lower lat. fibula | Base 5th metatarsal | Plantarflexes, everts | Superficial fibular n. | Fibular a. | 5th metatarsal stress fractures | |
| Fibularis Tertius | Distal ant. fibula | Dorsum 5th metatarsal | Everts, weak dorsiflexion | Deep fibular n. | Anterior tibial a. | Often absent (~20%) | |
| Posterior Leg
(Superficial) |
Gastrocnemius | Femoral condyles | Calcaneus (Achilles tendon) | Plantarflexes ankle, flexes knee | Tibial n. | Posterior tibial a. | 2-headed calf muscle |
| Soleus | Post. tibia & fibula | Calcaneus | Plantarflexes ankle | Tibial n. | Posterior tibial a. | Postural, slow-twitch | |
| Plantaris | Lat. supracondylar femur | Calcaneus | Weak plantarflexion | Tibial n. | Posterior tibial a. | Absent in 10% | |
| Posterior Leg
(Deep) |
Popliteus | Lateral femoral condyle | Post. tibia | Unlocks knee | Tibial n. | Posterior tibial a. | Rotates femur on tibia |
| Tibialis Posterior | Post. tibia & fibula | Navicular, cuneiforms, MT 2–4 | Inverts, plantarflexes, arch support | Tibial n. | Posterior tibial a. | Main arch supporter | |
| Flexor Digitorum Longus | Post. tibia | Distal phalanges toes 2–5 | Flexes toes, plantarflexes | Tibial n. | Posterior tibial a. | “Dick” of Tom–Dick–Harry | |
| Flexor Hallucis Longus | Post. fibula | Distal phalanx hallux | Flexes great toe, plantarflexes | Tibial n. | Posterior tibial a. | “Harry”; toe-off in gait | |
| Foot Intrinsics | Abductor Hallucis | Calcaneus | Prox. phalanx hallux | Abducts, flexes hallux | Medial plantar n. | Medial plantar a. | Medial sole border |
| Abductor Digiti Minimi | Calcaneus | Prox. phalanx 5th toe | Abducts, flexes little toe | Lateral plantar n. | Lateral plantar a. | Lateral sole border | |
| Flexor Digitorum Brevis | Calcaneus | Middle phalanges 2–5 | Flexes toes 2–5 | Medial plantar n. | Plantar aa. | FDS equivalent | |
| Lumbricals (4) | Tendons of FDL | Extensor expansions 2–5 | Flex MTP, extend IP | 1st: medial plantar n.; others: lateral plantar n. | Plantar metatarsal aa. | “Bye-bye” muscles | |
| Quadratus Plantae | Calcaneus | Tendons of FDL | Assists FDL | Lateral plantar n. | Lateral plantar a. | Straightens FDL pull | |
| Adductor Hallucis | MT 2–4 (oblique), ligaments MTP 3–5 (transverse) | Prox. phalanx hallux | Adducts hallux | Lateral plantar n. (deep) | Lateral plantar a. | Supports transverse arch | |
| Interossei (Plantar 3, Dorsal 4) | MT shafts | Prox. phalanges 2–5 | PAD = ADduct; DAB = ABduct | Lateral plantar n. | Plantar & dorsal metatarsal aa. | Intrinsic stabilisers of toes |