jambes

Jambes is the French term for the legs, referring to the lower limbs of humans and other bipeds. In anatomy, the legs include the thigh, the leg proper (shin), and the foot, connected by the knee and ankle joints. The knee is the primary hinge that links the thigh to the leg and plays a central role in weight bearing and movement.

Anatomy: The thigh contains the femur, the longest bone in the body, and is separated from the leg region by the knee joint, which includes the patella (kneecap). The leg region contains the tibia and fibula; the ankle joins the leg to the foot, which includes tarsal, metatarsal, and phalangeal bones. Major joints are the hip, knee, and ankle. The muscular system includes the quadriceps at the front of the thigh, the hamstrings at the back, and the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus). The major tendons include the patellar tendon and the Achilles tendon.

Function: The legs support body weight, provide propulsion for walking, running, and jumping, and enable balance and posture. They bear load during standing and absorb impact during movement. Blood supply comes from the femoral artery, with venous return through deep and superficial veins; the sciatic nerve and its branches innervate the major leg muscles.

Clinical notes: Common conditions include sprains and strains, knee and hip osteoarthritis, fractures of the femur, tibia, or fibula, and tendon injuries such as Achilles tendinopathy. Varicose veins and other venous disorders may affect the legs. In many sports and occupations, leg injuries are a frequent concern.