From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In common usage, the human leg is the lower limb of the body, extending from the hip to the ankle, and including the thigh, the knee, and the cnemis.[1] The largest bone in the human body, the femur, is in the leg.
In human anatomical terms, the leg is the part of the lower limb[2] that lies between the knee and the ankle,[3][4] and the term "lower limb" is used to describe the colloquial leg. This article generally follows the common usage.
The leg from the knee to the ankle is called the cnemis (nee'mis) or crus[5]. The calf is the back portion and the shin is the front.
Legs are often used metaphorically in many cultures to indicate either strength or mobility. The supporting columns of an object may be referred to as legs as well, as in chair legs.
[edit] Function and cultural aspects
Legs are often used for standing, walking, jumping, running, kicking, and similar activities, and are a significant portion of a person's mass.
Adolescent and adult females in many Western cultures often remove the hair from their legs. Toned, tanned, shaved legs are sometimes perceived as a sign of youthfulness and are often considered attractive in these cultures.
[edit] Anatomy
The muscles of the human lower leg
[edit] Bones of the lower limb
[edit] Muscles of the human lower limb
see Table of muscles
[edit] Vasculature of the leg
[edit] The arteries
[edit] The veins
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ MW Dictionary legyo yo yo what is up
- ^ l_10/12493851 at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
- ^ leg at eMedicine Dictionary
- ^ l_06/12482031 at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
- ^ c_64/12267973 at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
[edit] External links
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