The dissection of lower limb, like that of the upper limb, is best approached compartmentally since the compartments contain muscles with similar functions and similar innervation. Compare and contrast the anatomy of the lower limb with that of the upper limb. It will be a good review.

Basic concepts:
You may wish to review the basic concepts for the lower limb at this time. The link opens a new window which you will need to close to return to this page.

Specific Learning Objectives:

1. Define the venous drainage (both superficial and deep).
2. Recall the cutaneous innervation of the thigh and leg. Compare and contrast a dermatome and the cutaneous innervation of specific nerves.
3. List all the spinal segment components of the nerves in this region.
4. Illustrate that each part the lower limb has compartments formed by the deep fascia.
5. Summarize the functions of muscles in each of the compartments. Knowing the functions helps you learn the attachments (origins and insertions) of individual muscles?
6. Describe the innervation of each compartment and the specific deficits that occur with lesions of individual nerves at different parts along the course of each nerve. Where can the above nerves be checked for sensory loss?
7. Describe the vascular pattern and major arteries and the major anastomoses around each joint.
8. Identify anatomic structures in radiographic studies including X-ray, CT scans and MRI films.

Difficult parts of the dissection:

1. DO NOT cut muscles/tendons since this destroys the anatomy of the region. The deeper structures of the posterior leg are exposed by reflecting the medial head of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. See Step 4.