Master Anterior Lower Leg Anatomy with Picmonic for Medicine

The deep peroneal nerve, or deep fibular nerve, supplies the anterior compartment of the leg. It begins at the bifurcation of the common fibular nerve, between the fibula and upper part of the fibularis (peroneus) longus, passes infero-medially, deep to the extensor digitorum longus. Injury to this nerve results in foot drop, and can occur due to trauma to the lateral knee.

Collectively, these muscles work to dorsiflex the foot at the ankle joint.

The tibialis anterior is the strongest dorsiflexor of the anterior compartment and is located on the lateral surface of the tibia. It originates on the lateral surface of the tibia and inserts at the base of the first metatarsal, overlapping the deep peroneal nerve. Patients can be asked to stand on their heels to test the power of the tibialis anterior.

As this muscle crosses from the lateral tibia to the medial foot, its flexion allows inversion of the foot. Specifically, the tibialis anterior allows for the ankle to be inverted giving the ankle horizontal movement allowing for some cushion if the ankle were to be rolled.

The extensor digitorum longus lies lateral to the tibialis anterior and acts to dorsiflex the foot and extend (curl up) the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th toes. It originates from the lateral condyle of the tibia and medial surface of the fibula, inserting four tendons, one into each toe.

The extensor digitorum longus acts to dorsiflex the foot and extend (curl up) the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th toes.

The extensor hallucis longus is a thin muscle, situated between the Tibialis anterior and the extensor digitorum longus that functions to extend the big toe, dorsiflex the foot, and assists with foot eversion and inversion. It originates from the medial surface of the fibula and crosses the ankle joint to attach to the base of the distal phalanx of the great toe.

The extensor hallucis longus acts to dorsiflex the foot and extend (curl up) the great toe.