• The legs are the lower limbs of the human body. Legs begin at the hip, include the thigh and knee and extend to the ankle. Legs support the upper half of the body and enable standing as well as mobilityMSN Encarta: Leg (Anatomy) MedlinePlus: Leg Injuries and Disorders

• Fast Facts

  1. Also known as: Lower limbsThe Free Medical Dictionary: Leg
  2. Function: Body support and mobilityMSN Encarta: Leg (Anatomy)
  3. Femur: Strongest, longest bone in body MSN Encarta: Leg (Anatomy)
  4. Legs: 4 bones eachMSN Encarta: Bones of the Leg
  5. Leg Muscles: Anterior, posterior, lateralBartleby: Anatomy of the Human Body The Muscles and Fasciae of the Leg

• Leg Health and Diseases

  Several factors can impact the health of the legs.

  Exercise helps blood circulation and strengthening the muscles. Not smoking helps avoid damage to the veins. Limiting the use of alcohol guards against claudication and nerve damage of the legs. Those diagnosed with diabetes should keep blood glucose levels in control. Maintaining a healthy weight avoids pressure strain on the legs.

  Some common ailments of the legs are restless leg syndrome, claudication, broken bones, varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis.Dr. Donnica: Dr. Donnica's Top Tips on Healthy Legs MedlinePlus: Leg Pain Prevention

• Bones in the Legs

  The femur, or thighbone, is the strongest bone in the body. It forms a ball-and-socket joint at the hip that enables back and forth motions. The tibia, or shinbone, is the lower leg's supporting bone. Between the femur and tibia is the patella, or kneecap. The patella protects the hinge joint of the tibia. The fibula provides anchors for muscles.MSN Encarta: Bones of the Leg

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) | Sleep Disorders | Fatigue | Claudication | Atherosclerosis | Broken Leg | Broken Bone | Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) | Diabetes | Obesity | Obesity Epidemic | Varicose Veins | Radiofrequency Ablation | Human Anatomy | Feet | Knee Treatment | How to Become a Radiologist | How to Increase Your Vertical Jump

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