Logo

    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Coccyx
    Tailbone, the remnant of the tail in humans.
    Anterior Scalene Muscle
    The anterior scalene muscle is a deep neck muscle that elevates the first rib during inspiration and aids in neck flexion and stability, located between key neurovascular structures.
    Vertebral Column
    Spinal column consisting of vertebrae.
    Zygomaticus
    Muscle that raises the corners of the mouth.
    Flexor Tendons
    Tendons that help flex the fingers and toes.
    Cervical Vertebrae (C1 - C7)
    Vertebrae in the neck region (C1-C7).
    Clavicle
    Collarbone connecting the arm to the body.
    Ischium
    Part of the pelvis that supports weight while sitting.
    Temporalis
    Muscle involved in closing the jaw.
    Hamstrings
    Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus.
    Gluteus Maximus
    Largest muscle in the buttocks responsible for hip extension.
    Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.
    Wormian Bones
    Sutural bones in the skull.
    Occipital Bone
    Bone forming the back and base of the skull.
    Metatarsals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the mid-foot.
    Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.
    Sutures (in the skull)
    Fibrous joints between skull bones.
    Tarsals (7 bones)
    7 ankle bones.
    Parietal Bones
    Bones forming the sides and roof of the skull.
    Flexor and Extensor Groups
    Muscles responsible for flexing and extending the hand and wrist.
    Thoracic Cage
    Ribs and sternum forming the protective cage for the heart and lungs.
    Vomer Bone
    Bone forming the nasal septum.
    Masseter
    Muscle that elevates the mandible.
    Sacroiliac Ligaments
    Ligaments connecting the sacrum to the iliac bones.
    Ilium
    Uppermost and largest part of the hip bone.

    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? Your thumb has two phalanges, whereas other fingers have three.