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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Glenohumeral Ligaments
    Shoulder ligaments that stabilize the shoulder joint.
    Metacarpals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the palm of the hand.
    Abductor Digiti Minimi Muscle
    The abductor digiti minimi muscle is a hypothenar muscle that abducts and flexes the little finger, aiding grip and precision in hand movements.
    Biceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow flexion.
    Hamstrings
    Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus.
    Patella
    Knee cap, protecting the knee joint.
    Skull
    Bony structure of the head that encases the brain.
    Buccinator
    Muscle that helps with chewing and blowing air out.
    Thoracic Cage
    Ribs and sternum forming the protective cage for the heart and lungs.
    Flexor Tendons
    Tendons that help flex the fingers and toes.
    Sartorius
    Longest muscle in the body responsible for hip flexion.
    Posterior Longitudinal Ligament
    Spinal ligament running along the back of the vertebral column.
    Rotator Cuff Muscles
    Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis.
    Sutures (in the skull)
    Fibrous joints between skull bones.
    Deltoid
    Shoulder muscle responsible for arm abduction.
    Zygomatic Bones
    Cheekbones that form part of the orbit.
    Triceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow extension.
    Gliding (Plane) Joints
    e.g., between carpals
    Sternum
    Breastbone located in the center of the chest.
    Wormian Bones
    Sutural bones in the skull.
    Maxillae
    Upper jaw bones that house the teeth and form part of the orbit.
    Sternocleidomastoid
    Muscle that rotates and flexes the neck.
    Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.
    Interspinous Ligament
    Spinal ligament between adjacent vertebral spinous processes.
    Parietal Bones
    Bones forming the sides and roof of the skull.

    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? Each human hand has 27 bones.