Clare Hargreaves-Norris

Bones and Muscles of the Leg and Foot

NVQ Level 2 Beauty Therapy

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The 3 main functions of the skeleton are:

Protects the internal organs Gives the body its shape Used for muscle attachment

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Bones of the Leg

The lower leg is made up of 2 bones:

The tibia - which is also know as the shin bone. This the bone on the big toe side of the leg and takes the bodies weight.

The fibula - lies next to the tibia and protects the outside of the ankle.

Phalanges

MetatarsalsTarsals

Fibula

Tibia

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Bones of the Foot

The foot is made up of 3 groups of bones which fit together to support the foot:

7 Tarsal bones – make up the ankle.

5 Metatarsal bones – these are the long bones of the foot and support the arches of the feet.

14 Phalanges – these are the toes.

Phalanges

Metatarsals

Tarsals

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Function of the Muscles of the Lower Leg and Foot

The leg and foot muscles work together to propel the body in walking and running.

The foot is mainly moved by the muscles of the lower leg, which pull on the tendons in turn causing movement at the feet and toes.

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Characteristics of Muscle Tissue

Muscles are made of tiny elastic fibres that:

have the ability to shorten or contract spring back to their original form after

contraction stretch when relaxed respond to stimuli provided by nerve

impulses

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Muscles of the Lower Leg

The main muscles of the lower leg are:

The gastrocnemius – propels the body in walking and running.

The tibialis anterior – bends the ankle to pull the foot up to the leg.

The soleus – steadying function on the lower leg and points the toes.

Tibials anterior

Soleus Gastrocnemius

Extensor Digitorum Tendons

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Muscles of the Foot

What are the muscles of the foot responsible for?

The muscles of the foot are responsible for supporting the arches of the feet, curling and flexing the toes and assist with the walking process.

Flexor Digitorum Tendons

Flexor Digitorum Brevis

Abductor Digiti MinimiAbductor

Hallucis

Flexor Hallucis Longum