Quiz on the Anatomy of the Free Part of the Lower Limb

1. Which bone articulates with the condyles of the femur?

• Fibula

  The tibia, with its medial and lateral condyles, articulates with the femoral condyles, forming the knee joint. The fibula does not play a role in the knee joint.

• Tibia

  The tibia, with its medial and lateral condyles, articulates with the femoral condyles, forming the knee joint. The fibula does not play a role in the knee joint.

• Patella

  The tibia, with its medial and lateral condyles, articulates with the femoral condyles, forming the knee joint. The fibula does not play a role in the knee joint.

• Talus

  The tibia, with its medial and lateral condyles, articulates with the femoral condyles, forming the knee joint. The fibula does not play a role in the knee joint.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The tibia, with its medial and lateral condyles, articulates with the femoral condyles, forming the knee joint. The fibula does not play a role in the knee joint.

2. Which knee joint ligament attaches to the medial femoral condyle and the superior surface of the medial tibial condyle?

• Lateral collateral ligament

  The medial (tibial) collateral ligament extends from the medial epicondyle of the femur to the medial tibial condyle and is fused with the medial meniscus. The lateral collateral ligament attaches to the head of the fibula.

• Anterior cruciate ligament

  The medial (tibial) collateral ligament extends from the medial epicondyle of the femur to the medial tibial condyle and is fused with the medial meniscus. The lateral collateral ligament attaches to the head of the fibula.

• Posterior cruciate ligament

  The medial (tibial) collateral ligament extends from the medial epicondyle of the femur to the medial tibial condyle and is fused with the medial meniscus. The lateral collateral ligament attaches to the head of the fibula.

• Medial collateral ligament

  The medial (tibial) collateral ligament extends from the medial epicondyle of the femur to the medial tibial condyle and is fused with the medial meniscus. The lateral collateral ligament attaches to the head of the fibula.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The medial (tibial) collateral ligament extends from the medial epicondyle of the femur to the medial tibial condyle and is fused with the medial meniscus. The lateral collateral ligament attaches to the head of the fibula.

3. Which thigh muscle is part of the quadriceps and originates from the intertrochanteric line of the femur?

• Rectus femoris.

  The vastus intermedius muscle originates from the anterior and lateral surfaces of the femur, including the intertrochanteric line. The rectus femoris muscle originates from the anterior inferior iliac spine.

• Vastus lateralis muscle

  The vastus intermedius muscle originates from the anterior and lateral surfaces of the femur, including the intertrochanteric line. The rectus femoris muscle originates from the anterior inferior iliac spine.

• Vastus intermedius muscle

  The vastus intermedius muscle originates from the anterior and lateral surfaces of the femur, including the intertrochanteric line. The rectus femoris muscle originates from the anterior inferior iliac spine.

• Vastus medialis

  The vastus intermedius muscle originates from the anterior and lateral surfaces of the femur, including the intertrochanteric line. The rectus femoris muscle originates from the anterior inferior iliac spine.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The vastus intermedius muscle originates from the anterior and lateral surfaces of the femur, including the intertrochanteric line. The rectus femoris muscle originates from the anterior inferior iliac spine.

4. The obturator nerve innervates the muscles of the adductor group of the thigh. Which of the following muscles is NOT innervated by the obturator nerve?

• Adductor longus

  The adductor magnus is innervated by two nerves: the anterior (adductor) part by the obturator nerve, and the posterior (hamstring) part by the tibial part of the sciatic nerve. It is the posterior part that does not receive innervation from the obturator nerve.

• Gracilis muscle.

  The adductor magnus is innervated by two nerves: the anterior (adductor) part by the obturator nerve, and the posterior (hamstring) part by the tibial part of the sciatic nerve. It is the posterior part that does not receive innervation from the obturator nerve.

• Adductor brevis

  The adductor magnus is innervated by two nerves: the anterior (adductor) part by the obturator nerve, and the posterior (hamstring) part by the tibial part of the sciatic nerve. It is the posterior part that does not receive innervation from the obturator nerve.

• Adductor magnus (posterior part)

  The adductor magnus is innervated by two nerves: the anterior (adductor) part by the obturator nerve, and the posterior (hamstring) part by the tibial part of the sciatic nerve. It is the posterior part that does not receive innervation from the obturator nerve.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The adductor magnus is innervated by two nerves: the anterior (adductor) part by the obturator nerve, and the posterior (hamstring) part by the tibial part of the sciatic nerve. It is the posterior part that does not receive innervation from the obturator nerve.

5. Which nerve passes through the adductor canal (Hunter's canal) together with the femoral artery and vein?

• Obturator nerve

  The saphenous nerve — the medial branch of the femoral nerve — enters the adductor canal with the femoral artery and vein, then exits through the anterior wall and accompanies the great saphenous vein of the leg.

• Saphenous nerve (n. saphenus)

  The saphenous nerve — the medial branch of the femoral nerve — enters the adductor canal with the femoral artery and vein, then exits through the anterior wall and accompanies the great saphenous vein of the leg.

• Common fibular nerve

  The saphenous nerve — the medial branch of the femoral nerve — enters the adductor canal with the femoral artery and vein, then exits through the anterior wall and accompanies the great saphenous vein of the leg.

• Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve

  The saphenous nerve — the medial branch of the femoral nerve — enters the adductor canal with the femoral artery and vein, then exits through the anterior wall and accompanies the great saphenous vein of the leg.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The saphenous nerve — the medial branch of the femoral nerve — enters the adductor canal with the femoral artery and vein, then exits through the anterior wall and accompanies the great saphenous vein of the leg.

6. Which artery is the main source of blood supply to the femoral head in adults?

• Artery of the ligament of the head of the femur

  In adults, the main source of blood supply to the head of the femur is the medial circumflex femoral artery, giving a branch to the neck and head.

• Medial circumflex femoral artery

  In adults, the main source of blood supply to the head of the femur is the medial circumflex femoral artery, giving a branch to the neck and head.

• Lateral circumflex femoral artery

  In adults, the main source of blood supply to the head of the femur is the medial circumflex femoral artery, giving a branch to the neck and head.

• First perforating artery

  In adults, the main source of blood supply to the head of the femur is the medial circumflex femoral artery, giving a branch to the neck and head.

• I find it difficult to answer

  In adults, the main source of blood supply to the head of the femur is the medial circumflex femoral artery, giving a branch to the neck and head.

7. Which posterior leg muscle belongs to the superficial layer and has two heads originating from the femoral condyles?

• Soleus muscle.

  The gastrocnemius muscle has medial and lateral heads, originating respectively from the medial and lateral femoral condyles. The soleus muscle originates from the bones of the leg.

• Plantar muscle

  The gastrocnemius muscle has medial and lateral heads, originating respectively from the medial and lateral femoral condyles. The soleus muscle originates from the bones of the leg.

• Gastrocnemius muscle.

  The gastrocnemius muscle has medial and lateral heads, originating respectively from the medial and lateral femoral condyles. The soleus muscle originates from the bones of the leg.

• Flexor digitorum longus

  The gastrocnemius muscle has medial and lateral heads, originating respectively from the medial and lateral femoral condyles. The soleus muscle originates from the bones of the leg.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The gastrocnemius muscle has medial and lateral heads, originating respectively from the medial and lateral femoral condyles. The soleus muscle originates from the bones of the leg.

8. Which bone of the foot articulates with the tibia and fibula to form the ankle joint?

• Calcaneus

  The talus via its trochlea fits into the 'mortise' of the ankle joint, formed by the distal epiphyses of the tibia (medial malleolus and articular surface) and fibula (lateral malleolus).

• Navicular bone

  The talus via its trochlea fits into the 'mortise' of the ankle joint, formed by the distal epiphyses of the tibia (medial malleolus and articular surface) and fibula (lateral malleolus).

• Cuboid bone

  The talus via its trochlea fits into the 'mortise' of the ankle joint, formed by the distal epiphyses of the tibia (medial malleolus and articular surface) and fibula (lateral malleolus).

• Talus

  The talus via its trochlea fits into the 'mortise' of the ankle joint, formed by the distal epiphyses of the tibia (medial malleolus and articular surface) and fibula (lateral malleolus).

• I find it difficult to answer

  The talus via its trochlea fits into the 'mortise' of the ankle joint, formed by the distal epiphyses of the tibia (medial malleolus and articular surface) and fibula (lateral malleolus).

9. What is the primary movement in the ankle joint due to its hinge-like shape?

• Pronation and supination

  The ankle joint is a hinge-like joint with a single axis of movement — the frontal one. In it, plantar flexion and dorsiflexion of the foot occur. Pronation and supination are carried out in the subtalar and transverse joints of the tarsal bones.

• Abduction and adduction

  The ankle joint is a hinge-like joint with a single axis of movement — the frontal one. In it, plantar flexion and dorsiflexion of the foot occur. Pronation and supination are carried out in the subtalar and transverse joints of the tarsal bones.

• Plantar flexion and dorsiflexion

  The ankle joint is a hinge-like joint with a single axis of movement — the frontal one. In it, plantar flexion and dorsiflexion of the foot occur. Pronation and supination are carried out in the subtalar and transverse joints of the tarsal bones.

• Rotation around the vertical axis

  The ankle joint is a hinge-like joint with a single axis of movement — the frontal one. In it, plantar flexion and dorsiflexion of the foot occur. Pronation and supination are carried out in the subtalar and transverse joints of the tarsal bones.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The ankle joint is a hinge-like joint with a single axis of movement — the frontal one. In it, plantar flexion and dorsiflexion of the foot occur. Pronation and supination are carried out in the subtalar and transverse joints of the tarsal bones.

10. The great saphenous vein drains into:

• The popliteal vein

  The great saphenous vein drains into the femoral vein through the hiatus saphenus (saphenous opening of the fascia lata), located below the inguinal ligament. This is an important anatomical point for the transition of the superficial and deep venous systems.

• The femoral vein at the hiatus saphenus

  The great saphenous vein drains into the femoral vein through the hiatus saphenus (saphenous opening of the fascia lata), located below the inguinal ligament. This is an important anatomical point for the transition of the superficial and deep venous systems.

• The external iliac vein

  The great saphenous vein drains into the femoral vein through the hiatus saphenus (saphenous opening of the fascia lata), located below the inguinal ligament. This is an important anatomical point for the transition of the superficial and deep venous systems.

• Deep femoral vein

  The great saphenous vein drains into the femoral vein through the hiatus saphenus (saphenous opening of the fascia lata), located below the inguinal ligament. This is an important anatomical point for the transition of the superficial and deep venous systems.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The great saphenous vein drains into the femoral vein through the hiatus saphenus (saphenous opening of the fascia lata), located below the inguinal ligament. This is an important anatomical point for the transition of the superficial and deep venous systems.

11. Which thigh muscle extends at the hip joint and flexes at the knee joint?

• Rectus femoris.

  The biceps femoris belongs to the posterior group of the thigh muscles. It extends the thigh at the hip joint and flexes the leg at the knee joint. The rectus femoris muscle, on the other hand, flexes the thigh and extends the leg.

• Biceps femoris muscle.

  The biceps femoris belongs to the posterior group of the thigh muscles. It extends the thigh at the hip joint and flexes the leg at the knee joint. The rectus femoris muscle, on the other hand, flexes the thigh and extends the leg.

• Sartorius muscle.

  The biceps femoris belongs to the posterior group of the thigh muscles. It extends the thigh at the hip joint and flexes the leg at the knee joint. The rectus femoris muscle, on the other hand, flexes the thigh and extends the leg.

• Tensor fasciae latae

  The biceps femoris belongs to the posterior group of the thigh muscles. It extends the thigh at the hip joint and flexes the leg at the knee joint. The rectus femoris muscle, on the other hand, flexes the thigh and extends the leg.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The biceps femoris belongs to the posterior group of the thigh muscles. It extends the thigh at the hip joint and flexes the leg at the knee joint. The rectus femoris muscle, on the other hand, flexes the thigh and extends the leg.

12. The following structures pass through the infrapiriform foramen from the pelvic cavity to the buttock:

• Superior gluteal nerve

  The following structures exit trough the infrapiriform foramen: the inferior gluteal nerve and vessels, sciatic nerve, pudendal nerve, posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. The superior gluteal nerve exits through the suprapiriform foramen.

• Femoral nerve

  The following structures exit trough the infrapiriform foramen: the inferior gluteal nerve and vessels, sciatic nerve, pudendal nerve, posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. The superior gluteal nerve exits through the suprapiriform foramen.

• Inferior gluteal nerve.

  The following structures exit trough the infrapiriform foramen: the inferior gluteal nerve and vessels, sciatic nerve, pudendal nerve, posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. The superior gluteal nerve exits through the suprapiriform foramen.

• Obturator nerve

  The following structures exit trough the infrapiriform foramen: the inferior gluteal nerve and vessels, sciatic nerve, pudendal nerve, posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. The superior gluteal nerve exits through the suprapiriform foramen.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The following structures exit trough the infrapiriform foramen: the inferior gluteal nerve and vessels, sciatic nerve, pudendal nerve, posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. The superior gluteal nerve exits through the suprapiriform foramen.

13. Into which two branches does the sciatic nerve divide in the popliteal fossa?

• Into the common fibular and superficial fibular nerves

  The sciatic nerve in the upper corner of the popliteal fossa divides into the tibial nerve and the common fibular nerve. The division may also occur higher — at the thigh level.

• Into the tibial and common fibular nerves

  The sciatic nerve in the upper corner of the popliteal fossa divides into the tibial nerve and the common fibular nerve. The division may also occur higher — at the thigh level.

• Into the tibial and deep fibular nerves

  The sciatic nerve in the upper corner of the popliteal fossa divides into the tibial nerve and the common fibular nerve. The division may also occur higher — at the thigh level.

• Into the saphenous and obturator nerves

  The sciatic nerve in the upper corner of the popliteal fossa divides into the tibial nerve and the common fibular nerve. The division may also occur higher — at the thigh level.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The sciatic nerve in the upper corner of the popliteal fossa divides into the tibial nerve and the common fibular nerve. The division may also occur higher — at the thigh level.

14. Which ligament of the foot is called the spring ligament (lig. calcaneonaviculare plantare) and supports the head of the talus?

• Long plantar ligament.

  The plantar calcaneonavicular ligament – also called the spring ligament — is stretched between the sustentaculum tali and the inferior surface of the navicular bone. It supports the head of the talus and is a key element in maintaining the longitudinal arch of the foot.

• Plantar aponeurosis.

  The plantar calcaneonavicular ligament – also called the spring ligament — is stretched between the sustentaculum tali and the inferior surface of the navicular bone. It supports the head of the talus and is a key element in maintaining the longitudinal arch of the foot.

• Calcaneonavicular plantar ligament

  The plantar calcaneonavicular ligament – also called the spring ligament — is stretched between the sustentaculum tali and the inferior surface of the navicular bone. It supports the head of the talus and is a key element in maintaining the longitudinal arch of the foot.

• Talocalcaneal interosseous ligament

  The plantar calcaneonavicular ligament – also called the spring ligament — is stretched between the sustentaculum tali and the inferior surface of the navicular bone. It supports the head of the talus and is a key element in maintaining the longitudinal arch of the foot.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The plantar calcaneonavicular ligament – also called the spring ligament — is stretched between the sustentaculum tali and the inferior surface of the navicular bone. It supports the head of the talus and is a key element in maintaining the longitudinal arch of the foot.

15. The deep fibular nerve innervates the muscles of the anterior compartment of the leg. Which muscle does it innervate on the foot?

• Flexor digitorum brevis muscle.

  The deep fibular nerve on the foot innervates the extensor digitorum brevis and the extensor hallucis brevis, as well as the first interdigital space (cutaneous branch).

• Extensor digitorum brevis and extensor hallucis brevis

  The deep fibular nerve on the foot innervates the extensor digitorum brevis and the extensor hallucis brevis, as well as the first interdigital space (cutaneous branch).

• Muscles of the foot hypothenar

  The deep fibular nerve on the foot innervates the extensor digitorum brevis and the extensor hallucis brevis, as well as the first interdigital space (cutaneous branch).

• Lumbrical muscles II–IV

  The deep fibular nerve on the foot innervates the extensor digitorum brevis and the extensor hallucis brevis, as well as the first interdigital space (cutaneous branch).

• I find it difficult to answer

  The deep fibular nerve on the foot innervates the extensor digitorum brevis and the extensor hallucis brevis, as well as the first interdigital space (cutaneous branch).

16. In terms to the shape of the articular surfaces the knee joint is classified as:

• Ball-and-socket joint

  The knee joint is a condylar joint. This allows mainly flexion and extension in it, and with the knee flexed, slight rotation of the leg around the vertical axis is also possible.

• Hinge joint

  The knee joint is a condylar joint. This allows mainly flexion and extension in it, and with the knee flexed, slight rotation of the leg around the vertical axis is also possible.

• Condylar joint

  The knee joint is a condylar joint. This allows mainly flexion and extension in it, and with the knee flexed, slight rotation of the leg around the vertical axis is also possible.

• Ellipsoid joint

  The knee joint is a condylar joint. This allows mainly flexion and extension in it, and with the knee flexed, slight rotation of the leg around the vertical axis is also possible.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The knee joint is a condylar joint. This allows mainly flexion and extension in it, and with the knee flexed, slight rotation of the leg around the vertical axis is also possible.

17. Which muscle performs dorsiflexion of the foot and is innervated by the deep fibular nerve?

• Fibularis longus muscle.

  The tibialis anterior muscle is the main muscle performing dorsiflexion (extension) and supination of the foot. It is innervated by the deep fibular nerve and attaches to the medial cuneiform and the base of the first metatarsal bone.

• Soleus muscle.

  The tibialis anterior muscle is the main muscle performing dorsiflexion (extension) and supination of the foot. It is innervated by the deep fibular nerve and attaches to the medial cuneiform and the base of the first metatarsal bone.

• Tibialis anterior muscle.

  The tibialis anterior muscle is the main muscle performing dorsiflexion (extension) and supination of the foot. It is innervated by the deep fibular nerve and attaches to the medial cuneiform and the base of the first metatarsal bone.

• Flexor pollicis longus

  The tibialis anterior muscle is the main muscle performing dorsiflexion (extension) and supination of the foot. It is innervated by the deep fibular nerve and attaches to the medial cuneiform and the base of the first metatarsal bone.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The tibialis anterior muscle is the main muscle performing dorsiflexion (extension) and supination of the foot. It is innervated by the deep fibular nerve and attaches to the medial cuneiform and the base of the first metatarsal bone.

18. The small saphenous vein drains into:

• The femoral vein at the hiatus saphenus

  The small saphenous vein curves around the lateral malleolus, ascends along the posterior surface of the leg, and drains into the popliteal vein in the popliteal fossa. This is its typical variant of drainage.

• The popliteal vein

  The small saphenous vein curves around the lateral malleolus, ascends along the posterior surface of the leg, and drains into the popliteal vein in the popliteal fossa. This is its typical variant of drainage.

• Deep vein of the leg

  The small saphenous vein curves around the lateral malleolus, ascends along the posterior surface of the leg, and drains into the popliteal vein in the popliteal fossa. This is its typical variant of drainage.

• Great saphenous vein

  The small saphenous vein curves around the lateral malleolus, ascends along the posterior surface of the leg, and drains into the popliteal vein in the popliteal fossa. This is its typical variant of drainage.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The small saphenous vein curves around the lateral malleolus, ascends along the posterior surface of the leg, and drains into the popliteal vein in the popliteal fossa. This is its typical variant of drainage.

19. Which tarsal bone is the largest and forms the calcaneal tuberosity?

• Talus

  The calcaneus is the largest tarsal bone On its lower posterior surface the calcaneal tuberosity is located, to which the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon is attached.

• Navicular bone

  The calcaneus is the largest tarsal bone On its lower posterior surface the calcaneal tuberosity is located, to which the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon is attached.

• Calcaneus

  The calcaneus is the largest tarsal bone On its lower posterior surface the calcaneal tuberosity is located, to which the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon is attached.

• Cuboid bone

  The calcaneus is the largest tarsal bone On its lower posterior surface the calcaneal tuberosity is located, to which the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon is attached.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The calcaneus is the largest tarsal bone On its lower posterior surface the calcaneal tuberosity is located, to which the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon is attached.

20. Which muscle, originating from the ischial tuberosity, attaches to the medial tibial condyle and is part of the pes anserinus?

• Biceps femoris muscle.

  The semitendinosus muscle originates from the ischial tuberosity and attaches via a long tendon to the medial surface of the tibia, forming the pes anserinus along with the sartorius and gracilis muscles.

• Semitendinosus muscle.

  The semitendinosus muscle originates from the ischial tuberosity and attaches via a long tendon to the medial surface of the tibia, forming the pes anserinus along with the sartorius and gracilis muscles.

• Semimembranosus muscle.

  The semitendinosus muscle originates from the ischial tuberosity and attaches via a long tendon to the medial surface of the tibia, forming the pes anserinus along with the sartorius and gracilis muscles.

• Gracilis muscle.

  The semitendinosus muscle originates from the ischial tuberosity and attaches via a long tendon to the medial surface of the tibia, forming the pes anserinus along with the sartorius and gracilis muscles.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The semitendinosus muscle originates from the ischial tuberosity and attaches via a long tendon to the medial surface of the tibia, forming the pes anserinus along with the sartorius and gracilis muscles.