Abstract
The structure of the lower limb is specialised for supporting the body’s weight and locomotion and maintaining body stability (balance). The inguinal and gluteal (buttock) regions are important anatomical junctional zones between the trunk and the lower limb through which nerves and vessels travel longitudinally. The inguinal region includes the junctional zones between the lower limb and abdominal cavity via the myopectineal orifice and the inguinal canal. Similarly, the obturator canal allows the obturator nerve and vessels to traverse between the pelvis and medial thigh. The gluteal region communicates between the lower limb and the abdominopelvic cavity via the greater sciatic foramen, and between the limb and pelvic cavity and perineum via the lesser sciatic foramen. The first section of this chapter is an overview of the organisation of the lower limb and the second describes the evidence-based surface anatomy of the lower limb, which is important clinically.