Posterior leg

Knowledge of calf anatomy assists in understanding the basis of deep vein thrombosis and compartment syndrome
Appreciation that the calf muscles fall into two groups
An understanding of the arrangement of the muscles and vessels of the calf in cross-section: the association of deep veins around soleus and the potential for DVT

Muscles and movements

Actions and innervation of:

  • Gastrocnemius
  • Soleus
  • Flexor digitorum longus
  • Flexor hallucis longus
  • Tibialis posterior

Vessels

Posterior tibial artery:

  • As derived from the popliteal artery
  • Surface marking at the medial malleolus
  • Named branches NOT required
  • As the nerve of the flexor compartment
  • Surface marking