Anatomy of lower limbs

The lower limbs are the parts of the body from the hips down to the feet. They help us stand, walk, run, and move around. The main bone in the upper leg is called the femur, which is the longest and strongest bone in the body. At the front of the knee is a small round bone called the patella or kneecap. Below the knee, there are two bones: the tibia (the bigger one) and the fibula (the thinner one). These bones support the body and help in leg movement.

The hip joint connects the leg to the body and allows us to move our legs in different directions. The knee joint lets us bend and straighten our legs. The ankle joint connects the leg to the foot and helps with walking and balance.

There are many muscles in the lower limbs. The front muscles of the thigh help us straighten the knee, while the back muscles help us bend it. The muscles in the lower leg help us move the feet and toes.

Nerves in the lower limbs, like the sciatic nerve, carry messages between the brain and the legs. Blood vessels, like the femoral artery, bring blood to the leg muscles and bones.

Overall, all parts of the lower limbs—bones, muscles, joints, nerves, and blood vessels—work together to help us move, stay balanced, and do everyday activities.