Alajäsemetele

Alajäsemetele is an Estonian term used in medical contexts to refer to the lower limbs—the hips, legs, and feet. The form alajäsemetele is a case form used in phrases such as "kirurgia alajäsemetele" (surgery on the lower limbs). The term may appear in clinical notes, anatomy texts, and surgical planning.

Anatomy: The lower limbs include the bones of the pelvis girdle, thigh (reie), leg (sääre), and foot. Major bones are the femur, patella, tibia, fibula, and the tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges of the foot. Key joints are the hip, knee, and ankle. Primary muscle groups include the gluteal muscles, quadriceps and hamstrings in the thigh, and the gastrocnemius and soleus in the calf.

Nerves and vessels: Arterial supply begins with the femoral artery in the thigh, continuing as the popliteal, posterior tibial, and peroneal arteries. Venous drainage mirrors these pathways. Innervation arises from the lumbar and sacral plexuses, notably the femoral, sciatic, tibial, and common peroneal nerves.

Function and clinical relevance: The lower limbs bear body weight, enable standing, walking, and running, and provide balance. Clinically, alajäsemetele topics include fractures of the femur, tibia, or fibula; knee ligament injuries such as ACL or MCL tears; meniscal injuries; Achilles tendon problems; varicose veins; peripheral arterial disease; and nerve injuries. Diagnosis uses imaging (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound); treatment ranges from physical therapy and rehabilitation to surgical repair.