Compartments of the Leg - Anatomy

Overview

• The leg is divided into four osseofascial compartments:
  • Interosseous membrane of the leg
  • Transverse intermuscular septum
  • Anterior intermuscular (crural) septum

Compartment Contents

Anterior Compartment

• Muscular components:
  • Tibialis anterior
  • Extensor hallucis longus
  • Extensor digitorum longus
  • Peroneus tertius
• Neurovascular components:
  • Deep peroneal nerve
  • Anterior tibial vessels

Lateral Compartment

• Muscular components:
  • Peroneus longus
  • Peroneus brevis
• Neurovascular components:
  • Superficial peroneal nerve

Superficial Posterior Compartment

• Muscular components:
  • Gastrocnemius
  • Plantaris
  • Soleus
• Neurovascular components:
  • Sural nerve

Deep Posterior Compartment

• Muscular components:
  • Tibialis posterior
  • Flexor hallucis longus
  • Flexor digitorum longus
  • Popliteus
• Neurovascular components:
  • Tibial nerve
  • Posterior tibial vessels

Additional Information

• Updated by Derek W. Moore, MD
• Last Updated: October 19, 2016