This area not only has interesting social implications, but (no pun intended), the structures in this region are also critical to our bipedal posture and locomotion and thus our humanness.

When thinking about the lower limb, try and make comparisons with the upper limb, noting the similarities and differences. For the gluteal area of the lower limb, think about the shoulder region of the upper limb.

Unlike the upper limb which is manipulatory in nature, the lower limb is relegated to the specific tasks of maintaining our posture and moving us forward. This means for much of the time, the lower limb muscles counteract the effects of gravity and momentum.

The lower limbs are served from nerves entering and leaving the spinal cord between L1 and S5. Most anatomists refer to this collection of spinal nerves as the lumbosacral plexus, indicating the presence of a lumbar plexus and a sacral plexus. These plexuses are connected by nerves from L4 and L5 called the lumbosacral trunk.

The external iliac artery and vein deliver and return blood to the lower limb. They undergo several name changes as they course along the lower limb.