Muscles of the leg in 3D

Muscle groups of the lower limb

The gluteal muscles extend and abduct the hip, and the deep lateral rotators (piriformis, the gemelli, obturator internus and externus, quadratus femoris) turn the femur outward. In the thigh, the quadriceps in the anterior compartment extends the knee and is supplied by the femoral nerve; the adductors in the medial compartment are supplied mainly by the obturator nerve; the hamstrings at the back extend the hip, flex the knee and are supplied by the sciatic nerve.

Below the knee, the anterior compartment dorsiflexes the foot, the fibularis muscles of the lateral compartment evert it, and the calf muscles of the posterior compartment plantarflex it.

What the 3D model shows

The model shows the muscles of the right lower limb on its bones: gluteus maximus, medius and minimus, tensor fasciae latae and the deep rotators; iliacus, sartorius, the quadriceps and the adductor group with gracilis and pectineus; the hamstrings; the anterior, lateral and posterior leg muscles, including plantaris and popliteus; and the intrinsic muscles of the foot. The iliotibial tract and the calcaneal tendon are included. A second view adds the arteries, veins and nerves of the limb, along with some neighbouring pelvic structures.

How to study the leg muscles

Use the posterior view first: find gluteus maximus, then go to the deeper muscle layers to expose gluteus medius and the deep rotators below piriformis. In the anterior view, trace sartorius from the anterior superior iliac spine across the thigh to the medial side of the knee, and name the four parts of the quadriceps. Then isolate the calf: hide gastrocnemius to see soleus and follow both into the calcaneal tendon. Finish by listing each compartment's muscles and nerve from memory and checking them in the model.