Lower Limb Anatomy Mnemonics

Overview

This lecture introduces simple mnemonics to help remember key lower limb anatomy, focusing on the foot, ankle, knee, and hip.

Foot & Ankle Mnemonics

• "Tiger Cubs Need Milk (C)" helps remember the seven tarsal bones: Talus, Calcaneus, Navicular, Medial cuneiform, Intermediate cuneiform, Lateral cuneiform, Cuboid.
• Talus forms the ankle joint, articulates with tibia and fibula.
• Calcaneus is the heel bone, supports body weight, and attaches the Achilles tendon.
• Navicular is boat-shaped, on the medial side, helps maintain foot arch.
• Medial, intermediate, and lateral cuneiforms articulate with the first, second, and third metatarsals, supporting the arch.
• Cuboid is lateral, articulates with fourth and fifth metatarsals and calcaneus.
• "Tom, Dick And Very Nervous Harry" lists the tarsal tunnel contents (medial ankle): Tibialis posterior tendon, flexor Digitorum longus tendon, tibial Artery, tibial Vein, tibial Nerve, flexor Hallucis longus tendon.

Knee Mnemonics

• "SGT" (Sergeant) identifies the three muscles inserting at pes anserinus (proximal medial tibia): Sartorius, Gracilis, Semitendinosus.
• Sartorius: anterior thigh, hip and knee flexion.
• Gracilis: medial thigh, hip adduction and knee flexion.
• Semitendinosus: posterior thigh, hip extension and knee flexion.
• "LAMP" names the four primary ligaments of the knee: Lateral collateral, Anterior cruciate, Medial collateral, Posterior cruciate.
• Each ligament stabilizes the knee, preventing specific excessive movements.

Hip Mnemonics

• "Three Ducks Pecking Grass" lists the hip adductor muscles: Adductor Magnus, Adductor Longus, Adductor Brevis, Pectineus, Gracilis.
• Adductors assist in moving the thigh toward the midline, with additional roles in rotation and extension.
• "Play it like Ronaldo Su" (PIRS) helps recall hip flexor muscles: Psoas, Iliacus, Rectus femoris, Sartorius.
• These muscles are key in lifting the thigh and initiating hip flexion.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Tarsal Bones — seven bones forming the foot’s posterior region.
• Tarsal Tunnel — passage on medial ankle for nerves, vessels, and tendons.
• Pes Anserinus — medial proximal tibia insertion site for three muscles.
• Collateral Ligaments — ligaments stabilizing the knee sides (medial and lateral).
• Cruciate Ligaments — ligaments inside the knee (anterior and posterior) for stability.
• Hip Flexors — muscles causing hip flexion (thigh up).

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review and memorize mnemonics for lower limb anatomy.
• Practice labeling foot, ankle, knee, and hip structures on diagrams.
• Prepare for any upcoming quizzes by testing knowledge of the listed muscles, bones, and ligaments.