Peroneus vs. Fibularis — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Peroneus and fibularis both refer to the muscles on the lateral side of the lower leg. Peroneus is the older term, while fibularis is the modern anatomical name.
Difference Between Peroneus and Fibularis
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Peroneus historically refers to a group of muscles in the lateral compartment of the leg, including peroneus longus and peroneus brevis. Fibularis, the modern term, encompasses the same muscle group while emphasizing their attachment to the fibula.
Peroneus longus is one of these muscles responsible for plantarflexion and eversion of the foot. Fibularis longus, another name for this muscle, functions identically while clarifying its location near the fibula.
Peroneus brevis, a shorter muscle of the group, aids in similar movements. Fibularis brevis, using the updated term, is similarly tasked with stabilizing and everting the foot.
Peroneus tertius, a small muscle occasionally present, assists in dorsiflexion and eversion. The fibularis tertius, though not always present, serves the same function, reflecting its relationship to the fibula.
The terminology shift from peroneus to fibularis was made to align anatomical names with clearer, descriptive Latin terminology.
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Historical term
Modern anatomical term
Reference Muscles
Peroneus longus, brevis, tertius
Fibularis longus, brevis, tertius
Origin
Older anatomical nomenclature
Newer, Latin-rooted terminology
Location Descriptor
Derived from Greek word 'perone'
Reflects attachment to fibula
Recognition
Still recognized in some texts
Widely adopted globally
Compare with Definitions
Peroneus
Muscle that plantarflexes and everts the foot.
The peroneus longus plays a significant role in foot stabilization.
Fibularis
Muscle helping with plantarflexion and eversion.
Fibularis longus stabilizes the foot and supports ankle movement.
Peroneus
Refers to muscles on the outside of the leg.
The peroneus muscles lie within the lateral compartment of the leg.
Fibularis
Short muscle assisting in movement and support.
Damage to the fibularis brevis can limit ankle motion.
Peroneus
Innervated by the superficial fibular nerve.
The peroneus muscles receive signals through the superficial fibular nerve.
Fibularis
Reflects attachment to the fibula.
The fibularis muscles are named after their connection to the fibula.
Peroneus
Occasionally present, aiding in dorsiflexion.
Peroneus tertius is not found in everyone but helps with foot eversion.
Fibularis
Nerve supply passing around the fibula.
The common peroneal nerve branches to innervate the fibularis muscles.
Peroneus
Shorter muscle assisting in foot movement.
An injury to the peroneus brevis often impacts ankle stability.
Fibularis
Muscle occasionally present, aiding in dorsiflexion.
The fibularis tertius may be absent but helps with dorsiflexion when present.
Peroneus
(muscle) Any of several muscles of the lateral side of the leg, which arise from the fibula and act to move the foot.
Fibularis
(muscle) peroneus.
Peroneus
Muscle of the lower leg that is involved in moving the foot
Common Curiosities
What is the difference between peroneus and fibularis?
Peroneus is the historical name, while fibularis is the modern anatomical term for the same group of muscles.
Is peroneus still in use today?
Yes, but 'fibularis' is more commonly used in modern anatomical references.
Do the peroneus and fibularis muscles have different functions?
No, the terms refer to the same muscles, which perform identical functions.
What muscles are referred to as peroneus or fibularis?
The longus, brevis, and sometimes tertius muscles are included in both terms.
Are the terms 'peroneus' and 'fibularis' used interchangeably?
Yes, they can be used interchangeably to refer to the same group of muscles.
How do the peroneus longus and brevis differ in function?
Both muscles assist with eversion, but peroneus longus also aids in plantarflexion due to its longer tendon.
Which peroneus or fibularis muscle is most commonly injured?
The peroneus or fibularis brevis is frequently injured due to its role in ankle stability.
Why was the term 'fibularis' adopted over 'peroneus'?
'Fibularis' more accurately describes the muscles' attachment to the fibula.
What nerve innervates the peroneus or fibularis muscles?
The superficial fibular nerve primarily innervates the peroneus (fibularis) longus and brevis muscles.
Which peroneus or fibularis muscle has the longest tendon?
The peroneus or fibularis longus has the longest tendon that crosses under the foot to its insertion.
What is the role of the peroneus tertius?
The peroneus tertius aids in dorsiflexion and eversion of the foot, though it is not present in all individuals.
Where do the peroneus and fibularis muscles originate?
These muscles originate from the fibula and then insert on the foot.
Can an injury to the peroneus or fibularis muscles cause balance issues?
Yes, because these muscles help stabilize the ankle and foot during movement.
Are exercises effective for strengthening the peroneus or fibularis muscles?
Yes, specific exercises like resistance band movements can strengthen these muscles, improving ankle stability.
Is peroneus tertius always present?
No, peroneus tertius is absent in a significant portion of the population.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
