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{{Infobox Anatomy
| Name = Lower limb
| Latin = membrum inferius
| Image =
| Caption =
| Image2 =
| Caption2 =
| System = Musculoskeletal system
| Artery = Femoral artery, popliteal artery
| Vein = Femoral vein, popliteal vein
| Nerve = Sciatic nerve, femoral nerve
| Lymph = Inguinal lymph nodes
| MeshName = Lower+Extremity
| MeshNumber = A01.378.610
}}

The '''lower limb''' or '''lower extremity''' refers to the part of the body that extends from the [[hip]] to the [[toes]]. It includes the [[thigh]], [[knee]], [[calf]], [[ankle]], and [[foot]]. The lower limbs are essential for various functions such as standing, walking, running, and jumping. They are structurally designed to support the weight of the body and enable locomotion.

==Structure==
The lower limb consists of several key components:

===Bones===
The main bones of the lower limb include:
* [[Femur]] - the thigh bone, which is the longest and strongest bone in the body.
* [[Patella]] - also known as the kneecap.
* [[Tibia]] and [[Fibula]] - the two bones of the lower leg.
* [[Tarsals]], [[Metatarsals]], and [[Phalanges (foot)|Phalanges]] - the bones forming the foot.

===Joints===
Important joints in the lower limb include:
* [[Hip joint]] - a ball and socket joint between the femur and the [[pelvis]].
* [[Knee joint]] - primarily a hinge joint between the femur, tibia, and patella.
* [[Ankle joint]] - a hinge joint between the tibia, fibula, and the talus bone of the foot.

===Muscles===
The lower limb contains numerous muscles which are grouped into compartments:
* Anterior thigh muscles, such as the [[quadriceps femoris]], which extend the knee.
* Posterior thigh muscles, including the [[hamstrings]], which flex the knee and extend the hip.
* Calf muscles, such as the [[gastrocnemius]] and [[soleus]], which are involved in plantar flexing the foot.

===Nerves===
Major nerves of the lower limb include:
* [[Sciatic nerve]] - the largest nerve in the body, responsible for motor and sensory functions of the thigh, lower leg, and foot.
* [[Femoral nerve]] - innervates the anterior thigh muscles.

===Vascular supply===
The vascular supply to the lower limb includes:
* [[Femoral artery]] and [[popliteal artery]] - supplying blood to the lower limb.
* [[Femoral vein]] and [[popliteal vein]] - draining blood from the lower limb.

==Function==
The lower limbs play a crucial role in locomotion, allowing humans to walk, run, and jump. They also help maintain balance and posture.

==Clinical significance==
Common disorders affecting the lower limb include:
* [[Fractures]] of the femur, tibia, or fibula.
* [[Arthritis]], particularly of the hip and knee joints.
* [[Peripheral artery disease]], affecting the blood flow to the limbs.
* [[Diabetic neuropathy]], which can affect the nerves of the lower limb in people with diabetes.

==See also==
* [[Upper limb]]
* [[Human skeleton]]
* [[Musculoskeletal system]]

[[Category:Human anatomy]]
[[Category:Lower limb anatomy]]

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Prab at 12:59, 18 March 2025

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