Ankle Muscle Compartments: Anatomy & Function

There are four muscle compartments in the ankle:

1. Anterior compartment: This compartment contains the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum longus, and peroneus tertius muscles. These muscles dorsiflex the ankle and extend the toes.

2. Lateral compartment: This compartment contains the peroneus longus and peroneus brevis muscles. These muscles evert the foot and assist with dorsiflexion.

3. Medial compartment: This compartment contains the tibialis posterior, flexor hallucis longus, flexor digitorum longus, and flexor digitorum brevis muscles. These muscles plantarflex the ankle and flex the toes.

4. Posterior compartment: This compartment contains the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris muscles. These muscles plantarflex the ankle and assist with knee flexion.