The human leg, in the general word sense, is the entire lower limb of the human body, including the foot, thigh or sometimes even the hip or gluteal region. However, the definition in human anatomy refers only to the section of the lower limb extending from the knee to the ankle, also known as the crus or, especially in non-technical use, the shank. Legs are used for standing, and all forms of locomotion including recreational such as dancing, and constitute a significant portion of a persons mass. Female legs generally have greater hip anteversion and tibiofemoral angles, but shorter femur and tibial lengths than those in males. Structure
In human anatomy, the lower leg is the part of the lower limb that lies between the knee and the ankle. Anatomists restrict the term leg to this use, rather than to the entire lower limb. The thigh is between the hip and knee and makes up the rest of the lower limb. The term lower limb or lower extremity is commonly used to describe all of the leg. The leg from the knee to the ankle is called the crus. The calf is the back portion, and the tibia or shinbone together with the smaller fibula make up the front of the lower leg. Evolution has provided the human body with two distinct features: the specialization of the upper limb for visually guided manipulation and the lower limbs development into a mechanism specifically adapted for efficient bipedal gait.
Toned, tanned, shaved legs are sometimes perceived as a sign of youthfulness and are often considered attractive in these cultures. Men generally do not shave their legs in any culture. However, leg-shaving is a generally accepted practice in modeling. It is also fairly common in sports where the hair removal makes the athlete appreciably faster by reducing drag; the most common case of this is competitive swimming. Image gallery
See also
Distraction osteogenesis (leg lengthening)

References
Literature specified by multiple pages above:

Chaitow, Leon; Walker DeLany, Judith (2000). Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques: The Lower Body. Elsevier Health Sciences. ISBN 0-443-06284-6. Archived from the original on 22 September 2014.
consulting editors, Lawrence M. Ross, Edward D. Lamperti; authors, Michael Schuenke, Erik Schulte, Udo Schumacher. (2006). Thieme Atlas of Anatomy: General Anatomy and Musculoskeletal System. Thieme. ISBN 1-58890-419-9. {{cite book}}: |author= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
Platzer, Werner (2004). Color Atlas of Human Anatomy, Vol. 1: Locomotor System (5th ed.). Thieme. ISBN 3-13-533305-1. External links

Interactive images at InnerBody