Muscles of the Lower Limb MCQs

When the person bends the knees while lying face down, the ankle is not flexed. This finding on physical examination usually indicates a tear of the Achilles tendon. Choice A: If squeezing the calf with the person lying face down does not cause the ankle the flex, then the person has a complete Achilles tendon tear. Choice B: Swelling and pain in the ankle could indicate any number of diagnoses, not just an Achilles tendon rupture. Choice D: If a gap is felt in the Achilles tendon with the person standing, then the Achilles tendon is torn. Reference: Textbook of Gray's Anatomy for students, 3rd Edition, Lower Limb, Page number: 623

The medial plantar nerve innervates abductor hallucis, so this muscle would be saved if the lateral plantar nerve was disrupted. The muscles responsible for all the rest of the actions listed are innervated by the lateral plantar nerve, or its branch, the deep lateral plantar nerve: Adduction of the middle toe: plantar interosseus muscles (deep branch); Abduction of the little toe: abductor digiti minimi (lateral plantar); Adduction of the great toe: adductor hallucis (deep branch); Abduction of the middle toe: third dorsal interosseus muscle (deep branch). Reference: Textbook of Gray's Anatomy for students, 3rd Edition, Lower Limb, Page number: 638

The sciatic nerve originates from both the lumbar and sacral plexus. Specifically, it originates from the fourth and fifth lumbar nerve plexuses and first to the third sacral nerve plexuses. It is the largest nerve in the body formed by nerve roots from the lower spine or lumbosacral plexus. It passes deep in the gluteal region and down the posterior part of the thigh all the way to the heel and sole of the foot. It primarily serves an essential role in the sensory and motor functions of the skin and muscles of the thigh, leg, and foot. Reference: Textbook of Gray's Anatomy for students, 3rd Edition, Lower Limb, Page number: 557

Ans. is 'c' i.e., No change in pressure In heel strike, the ankle is dorsiflexed and the main muscle acting on ankle is tibialis anterior. Muscles of posterior compartment of leg (Gastrocnemius-soleus) are at their normal length. So, the pressure in posterior compartment does not change. On the other hand, In push off phase Gastrocnemius-soleus are contracted which results in increased pressure of posterior compartment (whenever there is contraction of muscles of a compartment, pressure of that compartment is increased).

Pes anserinus ("goose foot") refers to the conjoined tendons of three muscles of the thigh. It inserts onto the anteromedial (front and inside) surface of the proximal tibia. The muscles are the sartorius, gracilis and semitendinosus sometimes referred to as the guy ropes. The name "goose foot" arises from the three-pronged manner in which the conjoined tendon inserts onto the tibia. Reference: Textbook of Gray's Anatomy for students, 3rd Edition, Lower Limb, Page number: 678

Trendelenburg gait is caused by weakness or ineffective action of the abductor muscles of the lower limb, the gluteus medius muscle and the gluteus minimus muscle. Polio involving L5 (foot drop may also be seen because L5 innervates the tibialis anterior muscle). Damage to the superior gluteal nerve. Reference: Textbook of Gray's Anatomy for students, 3rd Edition, Lower Limb, Page number - 603