Human leg

The human leg, in the general sense, is the entire lower extremity or limb of the human body, including the foot, thigh and even the hip or gluteal region; however, the definition in human anatomy refers only to the section of the lower limb extending from the knee to the ankle (called crus in Latin; the posterior of the crus is the sura).

Legs are used for standing, walking, jumping, running, kicking, and dancing and similar activities, and constitute a significant portion of a person's mass. Female legs generally have greater hip anteversion and tibiofemoral angles, but shorter femur and tibial lengths than those in males.

Structure

In human anatomical terms, the leg is the part of the lower extremity that lies between the knee and the ankle, the thigh is between the hip and knee and the term "lower extremity" 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 /ˈniːmɪs/ or crus. The calf is the back portion and the shin is the front. The tibia and fibula are the two bones of the crus.

Leg

A leg is a weight bearing and locomotive structure, usually having a columnar shape. During locomotion, legs function as "extensible struts". The combination of movements at all joints can be modeled as a single, linear element capable of changing length and rotating about an omnidirectional "hip" joint.

As an anatomical animal structure it is used for locomotion. The distal end is often modified to distribute force (such as a foot). Most animals have an even number of legs.

As a component of furniture it is used for the economy of materials needed to provide the support for the useful surface, the table top or chair seat.

Terminology

Many taxa are characterized by the number of legs:

Legé

Legé is a commune in the Loire-Atlantique department in western France.

See also

Leg (darts)

A leg is a single game in the sport of darts. Most darts matches are played over a number of legs. Alternatively, a match may be divided into sets, with each set being contested often on a first to 3 legs basis.

Start and finish

At the start of each leg, each player or team has a score of 501. A leg is over when either side reaches zero by hitting a double or the bull's eye. If playing several sets, the player throwing first is alternated.

References