Fascial compartments of leg

The fascial compartments of the leg are the four fascial compartments that separate and contain the muscles of the lower leg (from the knee to the ankle). The compartments are divided by septa formed from the fascia. The compartments usually have nerve and blood supplies separate from their neighbours. All of the muscles within a compartment will generally be supplied by the same nerve.

Fascial compartments of leg
Cross-section through middle of leg. Four compartments painted in different colors.
Muscles of the lower leg. Four compartments painted in different colors.
Anatomical terminology

Intermuscular septa

The lower leg is divided into four compartments by the interosseous membrane of the leg, the anterior intermuscular septum, the transverse intermuscular septum and the posterior intermuscular septum.[1]

Each compartment contains connective tissue, nerves and blood vessels. The septa are formed from the fascia which is made up of a strong type of connective tissue. The fascia also separates the skeletal muscles from the subcutaneous tissue.[2] Due to the great pressure placed on the leg, from the column of blood from the heart to the feet, the fascia is very thick in order to support the leg muscles.[3] The thickness of the fascia can give problems when any inflammation present in the leg has little room to expand into. Blood vessels and nerves can also be affected by the pressure caused by any swelling in the leg. If the pressure becomes great enough, blood flow to the muscle can be blocked, leading to a condition known as compartment syndrome. Severe damage to the nerve and blood vessels around a muscle can cause the muscle to die and amputation might be necessary.[4]

Compartments
Image Compartment Muscles Neurovascular structures
Anterior compartment Deep fibular (peroneal) nerve and anterior tibial vessels
Lateral compartment Superficial fibular (peroneal) nerve and fibular artery
Deep posterior compartment Tibial nerve, posterior tibial artery and posterior tibial vessels such as the fibular artery
Superficial posterior compartment Tibial nerve

Additional images
  • Animation
  • Cross-section of the right leg.

See also

References
  1. Fraipont, Michael J.; Adamson, Gregory J. (2003). "Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome". The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 11 (4): 268–76. doi:10.5435/00124635-200307000-00006. PMID 12889865. S2CID 31965215.
  2. Saladin, Kenneth S. (2012). Anatomy and Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function. New York: McGraw Hill. p. 315.
  3. http://www.amazonhmt.com/veins_work.html%5B%5D
  4. MedlinePlus Encyclopedia: Compartment syndrome
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