Lowerbody

The lower body is the portion of the human body from the pelvis downward. It encompasses the hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, legs, ankles, and feet, together with the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and vascular structures that enable standing, walking, running, and other forms of locomotion.

Key bones include the pelvis, femur, tibia, fibula, patella, and the bones of the foot. Joints such as the hip, knee, and ankle permit a range of movements. Major muscle groups include the gluteals, quadriceps, hamstrings, adductors, calves, and muscles of the foot and ankle.

Movement relies on biomechanics: hip extension and flexion, knee flexion and extension, and ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. The gait cycle alternates stance and swing phases, coordinating limb segments for propulsion and balance.

Function: supports body weight, enables locomotion, transfers forces between the upper body and ground, and contributes to posture and balance. The lower body is critical in athletic performance and daily activities such as walking, climbing, and standing.

Common health concerns include strains and sprains, knee injuries such as ACL tears, tendinopathies, osteoarthritis, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis. Prevention emphasizes progressive loading, appropriate footwear, warm-up, flexibility, core stability, and balanced training.