
The shin bone, or tibia, is supported by two strong bones: the fibula and the tibia itself. The tibia is stronger and more prominent, located towards the middle of the lower leg. The fibula, or calf bone, is smaller and found on the outside of the lower leg. The lower leg is also home to nerve fibres, including the deep fibular nerve, and muscles including the tibialis anterior, which is located in the front part of the shin bone. The tibialis anterior muscle helps to maintain the medial longitudinal arch of the foot and aids in any activity that requires moving the leg or keeping the leg vertical. It also helps to stabilise the ankle and pull the foot off the ground.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Front part of the shin bone of the lower leg |
| Origin | Upper 2/3 of the lateral surface of the tibia |
| Insertion | Medial and inferior surface of the medial cuneiform bone, and adjacent portion of the first metatarsal bone |
| Innervation | Deep fibular nerve, and recurrent genicular nerve (L4) |
| Blood supply | Anterior tibial artery |
| Functions | Dorsiflexion and inversion of the foot, stabilizes the ankle, aids in walking and running |
| Conditions | Shin splints, stress fractures, compartment syndrome, muscle tears, tibial muscular dystrophy |
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What You'll Learn
- The tibialis anterior muscle is the largest of four muscles in the anterior compartment of the leg
- The tibialis anterior muscle helps maintain the medial longitudinal arch of the foot
- The anterior tibial artery supplies the muscle proximally
- The tibialis anterior muscle is responsible for shin splints
- The tibialis anterior muscle is located in the front part of the shin bone of the lower leg

The tibialis anterior muscle is the largest of four muscles in the anterior compartment of the leg
The tibialis anterior muscle arises from the upper 2/3 of the lateral surface of the tibia and the adjoining part of the interosseous membrane and deep fascia overlying it, and the intermuscular septum between this muscle and the extensor digitorum longus. The tibialis anterior tendon (TAT) begins at the distal one-third of the tibia. It travels across the anterior ankle and dorsum of the foot to insert vertically on the medial cuneiform and the base of the first metatarsal. The muscle is innervated by the deep fibular nerve, and recurrent genicular nerve (L4).
The tibialis anterior muscle is one of four muscles in the anterior compartment of the leg. The others include extensor digitorum longus (EDL), extensor hallucis longus (EHL), and fibularis tertius. The deep peroneal nerve innervates all muscles and is perfused by the anterior tibial artery. Collectively, the muscles dorsiflex and invert the foot at the ankle joint. The extensors (EDL and EHL) also extend the toes; the EDL extends the lateral four toes, while the EHL extends the great toe.
The tibialis anterior muscle plays an important role in activities such as walking, hiking, and kicking a ball. It helps to stabilize the ankle joint as the foot hits the floor and pulls it clear of the ground as the leg continues moving. It also functions to lock the ankle, as in toe-kicking a ball, when held in an isometric contraction. The movements of the tibialis anterior are dorsiflexion and inversion of the ankle. However, the actions of the tibialis anterior depend on whether the foot is weight-bearing or not. When the foot is on the ground, the muscle helps to balance the leg and talus on the other tarsal bones, keeping the leg vertical even when walking on uneven ground.
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The tibialis anterior muscle helps maintain the medial longitudinal arch of the foot
The tibialis anterior muscle is located in the front part of the shin bone of the lower leg. It is the largest of four muscles in the anterior compartment of the leg. The muscle courses from an area just below the knee, down the front of the shin, and finally attaches to the top of the foot.
The tibialis anterior tendon insert distally on the medial border of the foot. The TAT begins at the distal one-third of the tibia and travels across the anterior ankle and dorsum of the foot to insert vertically on the medial cuneiform and the base of the first metatarsal. The TAT is the most medial tendon of the ankle and foot.
The tibialis anterior muscle is innervated by the deep fibular nerve, and recurrent genicular nerve (L4). It acts to dorsiflex and invert the foot. This muscle helps to stabilise the ankle as the foot hits the ground during the contact phase of walking (eccentric contraction) and acts later to pull the foot clear of the ground during the swing phase (concentric contraction).
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The anterior tibial artery supplies the muscle proximally
The shin bone, or tibia, is located in the lower leg. The tibialis anterior muscle is the muscle located in the front part of the tibia. It courses from an area just below the knee, down the front of the shin, and finally attaches to the top of the foot. The tibialis anterior muscle is the largest of four muscles in the anterior compartment of the leg. It is responsible for dorsiflexion and inversion of the foot. It also helps to stabilise the ankle and raise the arch of the foot.
The anterior tibial artery is one of the two terminal branches of the popliteal artery, the other being the tibioperoneal trunk. The popliteal artery is a continuation of the femoral artery, which is the main artery of the lower limb. The femoral artery passes between the muscles of the thigh and emerges behind the knee as the short popliteal artery. The popliteal artery then descends down the posterior thigh, supplying the knee joint. At the lower border of the popliteus muscle, the popliteal artery bifurcates into the anterior and posterior tibial arteries.
The anterior tibial artery passes from the posterior popliteal fossa to the anterior leg through an opening in the interosseous membrane between the tibia and fibula. It travels down the leg, supplying the anterior compartment, and into the foot, continuing as the dorsalis pedis artery. The anterior tibial artery is a key player in leg and foot circulation. It supplies the muscle proximally, and the medial tarsal arteries, which are branches of the dorsalis pedis artery, supply the tendon distally. The anterior tibial artery also gives rise to the peroneal artery, which supplies the deep muscles of the calf and the muscles in the lateral compartment.
The tibialis anterior muscle is innervated by the deep fibular nerve, and recurrent genicular nerve (L4). The deep fibular nerve gives muscular branches to the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum longus, and fibularis tertius. In the anterior compartment, the deep fibular nerve accompanies the anterior tibial artery in the proximal third of the leg.
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The tibialis anterior muscle is responsible for shin splints
The tibialis anterior muscle is located in the front part of the shin bone of the lower leg. The muscle arises from the upper two-thirds of the lateral surface of the tibia and the adjoining part of the interosseous membrane. It is inserted into the medial and inferior surface of the medial cuneiform bone and the adjacent portion of the first metatarsal bone. The tibialis anterior muscle is innervated by the deep fibular nerve and the recurrent genicular nerve (L4).
The tibialis anterior muscle is responsible for dorsiflexion and inversion of the foot. It helps to stabilise the ankle and pull the foot off the ground during the swing phase of walking. The muscle also functions to 'lock' the ankle, as in toe-kicking a ball.
Shin splints are a condition that results in pain and inflammation in the lower legs, specifically along the shinbone (tibia). This pain is often caused by irritation to the tibialis anterior, a muscle responsible for lifting the foot up. This type of shin splint presents as pain along the front of the shin, right next to the bone.
Shin splints are typically caused by overuse of the muscle during high-impact activities such as running, sports, or hiking. They can also be caused by a sudden increase in intensity, such as when a runner increases their mileage or pace. In addition, running downhill or on hard surfaces, overtraining, and improper shoes can contribute to shin splints.
If you are experiencing symptoms of shin splints, it is recommended to see a healthcare provider or physical therapist for an assessment. Treatment may include physical therapy, stretching the posterior muscles of the leg and calf, changing to more supportive shoes, and reducing or avoiding running, especially on hard surfaces.
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The tibialis anterior muscle is located in the front part of the shin bone of the lower leg
The tibialis anterior muscle arises from the upper 2/3 of the lateral surface of the tibia and the adjoining part of the interosseous membrane and deep fascia overlying it, and the intermuscular septum between this muscle and the extensor digitorum longus. It is inserted into the medial and inferior surface of the medial cuneiform bone, and adjacent portion of the first metatarsal bone. The tibialis anterior tendon can have varying insertion patterns. Instead of one tendon inserting onto the medial cuneiform and the base of the first metatarsal, the tendon can split into two bands that insert individually.
The tibialis anterior muscle is innervated by the deep fibular nerve, and recurrent genicular nerve (L4). A deep portion of the muscle is rarely inserted into the talus, or a tendinous slip may pass to the head of the first metatarsal bone or the base of the first phalanx of the great toe. The tibialis anterior muscle helps maintain the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. It draws up and holds the toe in a locked position. The muscle aids in any activity that requires moving the leg or keeping the leg vertical. It functions to stabilize the ankle as the foot hits the ground during the contact phase of walking (eccentric contraction) and acts later to pull the foot clear of the ground during the swing phase (concentric contraction).
The anterior tibial artery supplies the muscle proximally. The medial tarsal arteries, which are branches of the dorsalis pedis artery, supply the tendon distally. The anterior tibial artery is one of two terminal branches at the bifurcation of the popliteal artery. The other branch is the tibioperoneal trunk, which further divides into the posterior tibial and fibular arteries. The anterior tibial artery passes from the posterior popliteal fossa to the anterior leg through an opening in the interosseous membrane between the tibia and fibula.
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Frequently asked questions
The tibialis anterior muscle is located in the front part of the shin bone of the lower leg. It is responsible for dorsiflexion and inversion of the foot.
The tibialis anterior muscle helps to flex the ankle and foot off the ground, as occurs when tapping your foot. It also helps to pull your foot in, a motion called inversion.
Common issues with the tibialis anterior muscle include shin splints, tightness, weakness, pain, and tears.
If you are experiencing issues with your tibialis anterior muscle, you should consult a healthcare provider or physical therapist. They may prescribe treatments such as targeted exercises or personalised care plans to improve muscle strength and flexibility.











































