How many compartments are located in the lower leg?

The lower leg contains four distinct compartments, each separated by connective tissue and fascia. These compartments are crucial for organizing muscles, nerves, and blood vessels in the lower leg.

The four compartments are:

1. Anterior compartment: This houses muscles responsible for dorsiflexion of the ankle and extension of the toes, along with the deep peroneal nerve and the anterior tibial artery.

2. Lateral compartment: This contains muscles that are primarily involved in foot eversion and are innervated by the superficial peroneal nerve.

3. Superficial posterior compartment: This compartment includes the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, which are key for plantarflexion of the foot and are innervated by the tibial nerve.

4. Deep posterior compartment: It contains muscles that assist with plantarflexion and toe flexion, and it is also home to important vessels and the tibial nerve.

Understanding the anatomical organization of these compartments is essential for diagnosing and treating lower leg injuries, as well as for understanding conditions like compartment syndrome, where increased pressure in a confined space can lead to vascular compromise and muscle damage.