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    Diaphragm
    Primary muscle for breathing.
    Humerus
    Upper arm bone connecting the shoulder to the elbow.
    Thoracic Vertebrae (T1 - T12)
    Vertebrae in the upper and mid-back (T1-T12).
    Palatine Bones
    Bones forming part of the hard palate and nasal cavity.
    Zygomaticus
    Muscle that raises the corners of the mouth.
    Acetabulum
    The acetabulum is the pelvic socket that connects with the femoral head to form the hip joint, vital for stability, movement, and weight-bearing.
    Nasal Bones
    Bones forming the bridge of the nose.
    Skull
    Bony structure of the head that encases the brain.
    Pivot Joints
    e.g., atlanto-axial joint
    Gastrocnemius
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.
    Phalanges (14 bones)
    14 bones forming the toes.
    Rotator Cuff Muscles
    Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis.
    Interspinous Ligament
    Spinal ligament between adjacent vertebral spinous processes.
    Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.
    Glenohumeral Ligaments
    Shoulder ligaments that stabilize the shoulder joint.
    Anterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the front of the vertebral column.
    Acromioclavicular Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the clavicle.
    Sternocleidomastoid
    Muscle that rotates and flexes the neck.
    Patellar Tendon
    Tendon connecting the patella to the tibia.
    Masseter
    Muscle that elevates the mandible.
    Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the inner knee.
    Tarsals (7 bones)
    7 ankle bones.
    Biceps Tendon
    Tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the bone.
    Maxillae
    Upper jaw bones that house the teeth and form part of the orbit.
    Cervical Vertebrae (C1 - C7)
    Vertebrae in the neck region (C1-C7).

    Tibialis Anterior

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Muscle that dorsiflexes and inverts the foot.

    1. Overview

    The tibialis anterior is a prominent muscle of the anterior compartment of the leg. It is the primary dorsiflexor of the foot and plays a key role in stabilizing the ankle during walking and standing. This muscle is essential for proper gait mechanics and maintaining foot clearance during the swing phase of walking.

    2. Location

    The tibialis anterior is located in the anterior compartment of the lower leg, just lateral to the tibia:

    • Superficial and palpable: Especially in lean individuals, it can be felt or seen contracting during dorsiflexion of the foot.

    • Origin: Lateral condyle and proximal two-thirds of the lateral surface of the tibia; also from the interosseous membrane and deep fascia of the leg.

    • Insertion: Medial cuneiform and the base of the first metatarsal on the medial side of the foot.

    3. Structure

    The tibialis anterior is a fusiform (spindle-shaped) muscle:

    • Muscle belly: Thick and muscular in the upper part of the leg.

    • Tendon: Long, cord-like tendon that crosses anterior to the ankle joint and inserts on the foot.

    • Innervation: Deep fibular (peroneal) nerve (L4–L5).

    • Blood supply: Anterior tibial artery and its branches.

    4. Function

    The tibialis anterior is involved in several key movements:

    • Dorsiflexion of the foot: Pulls the foot upward at the ankle joint, allowing for toe clearance during walking.

    • Inversion of the foot: Turns the sole of the foot inward, especially when working with the tibialis posterior.

    • Support of the medial arch: Helps maintain the medial longitudinal arch of the foot during stance and movement.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    The tibialis anterior plays important roles in everyday movement and postural control:

    • Gait mechanics: Active during the swing phase of walking to prevent the toes from dragging.

    • Shock absorption: Controls the rate of foot drop during heel strike, softening impact forces.

    • Balance: Assists in anterior-posterior postural stability, especially when standing or adjusting position on uneven surfaces.

    6. Clinical Significance

    The tibialis anterior is associated with several important clinical conditions:

    • Foot drop:

      • Caused by injury or neuropathy of the deep fibular nerve, resulting in weakness or paralysis of the tibialis anterior.

      • Leads to a high-stepping gait to compensate for lack of dorsiflexion.

    • Anterior compartment syndrome:

      • Acute or chronic pressure build-up in the anterior compartment can compress the tibialis anterior and its neurovascular supply.

      • May result in pain, weakness, and eventually ischemic damage if untreated (requires fasciotomy in emergencies).

    • Tibialis anterior tendinitis:

      • Overuse injury common in runners and hikers, leading to pain and swelling near the ankle or dorsal foot.

    • Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome):

      • Though more associated with the tibialis posterior, the tibialis anterior may also be involved in anterior shin pain due to repetitive stress.

    • Electromyography (EMG) relevance:

      • Frequently tested in EMG studies to assess L4–L5 nerve root or deep fibular nerve function.

    Did you know? The skull is made up of 22 bones.