Fascial compartments of leg

Cross-section through middle of left leg. (Colours correspond to fascial compartments; red text names muscles in each compartment; grey text names neurovascular structures in each compartment)

On the human body, the limbs can be divided into segments, such as the arm and the forearm of the upper limb, and the thigh and the leg of the lower limb. If these segments are cut transversely, it is apparent that they are divided into multiple sections. These are called fascial compartments, and are formed by tough connective tissue septa. These compartments usually have a separate nerve and blood supply to their neighbours. The muscles in each compartment will often all be supplied by the same nerve.

Compartments

The (lower) leg is divided into four compartments by the, interosseous membrane of the leg, the transverse intermuscular septum and the posterior intermuscular septum^[1]:

Compartment	Muscles	Neurovascular structures
Anterior compartment of leg	Tibialis anterior, Extensor hallucis longus, Extensor digitorum longus, Peroneus tertius	Deep peroneal nerve, Anterior tibial vessels
Lateral compartment of leg	Peroneus longus, Peroneus brevis	Superficial peroneal nerve
Deep posterior compartment of leg	Tibialis posterior, Flexor hallucis longus, Flexor digitorum longus, Popliteus	Tibial nerve, Posterior tibial vessels
Superficial posterior compartment of leg	Gastrocnemius, Soleus, Plantaris	Medial sural cutaneous nerve

See also

• Compartment syndrome
• Fascia
• Fascial compartments of arm

References

1. ^ Fraiport MJ, Adamson GA. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2003;11:268-276.

External links

• Diagram at patientcareonline.com