[TA] anterior portion of space enclosed by the deep fascia of the leg, separated from the posterior compartment by the tibia and fibula by the intervening interosseous membrane, and from the lateral compartment by the anterior intermuscular septum; contains the dorsiflexors of the foot and long extensors of the toes, all innervated by the deep fibular (peroneal) nerve. SYN: compartimentum cruris anterius [TA], compartimentum cruris extensorum*, extensor compartment of leg*, dorsiflexor compartment of leg.