01 / Location & anatomical relationships
Below the pelvis, ending at the foot.
02 / Structure & organization
In anatomical terminology, the leg is the knee-to-ankle region, while the whole lower limb also includes thigh and foot. Its anterior, lateral and posterior muscle compartments act on the ankle and toes.
03 / Function
Bones and muscles work together when you walk or jump.
04 / Mechanism
The hip, knee and ankle work in a sequence during each step. One leg supports weight while the other swings forward, then they exchange jobs. Muscles also make tiny adjustments to keep your balance.
Working together: muscular system
When you bend your elbow, some muscles contract while others relax. Their coordinated pull moves the bones at the joint.
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Connect structure with function
Weight transfer, balance and propulsion require coordination across the hip, knee and ankle. Regional terminology helps separate the lower leg from the entire limb.
Check your understanding
Locate the leg in relation to its neighbors. Explain how the structural features described above support its function, then distinguish it from a nearby structure with a different role.
Keep learning
Continue with OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology for system-level study. This atlas is educational and has not undergone independent medical peer review.