Mammalian skeletal muscle fibers have been reported to develop maximum force at a sarcomere length (Ls) of approximately 2.5 microns. However, the functional range of muscle length (Lm) and Ls encountered by skeletal muscle in vivo is not well defined. Changes in Ls markedly influence capillary geometry, but this effect has been shown only in fixed preparations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of limb position on Lm, Ls, and capillary geometry in living undisturbed hindlimb muscles. We tested the hypothesis that maximal excursion of the foot would have similar effects on Ls and capillary geometry of antagonistic soleus (Sol) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles in vivo. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 9; 243 +/- 3 g) were anesthetized (pentobarbital sodium; 35 mg/kg). The right Sol and EDL muscles were exposed and irrigated with physiological saline solution (34 degrees C; pH 7.4). Sarcomeres and capillaries were observed with video microscopy (total magnification x 1,900; spatial resolution < 1 micron); sarcomeres were labeled with a fluorescent dye [4-(4-diethylaminostyryl)-N-methylpyridinium iodide]. As foot angle increased from 30 degrees (maximal dorsiflexion) to 170 degrees (maximal plantarflexion), Lm and Ls increased for EDL muscles (27.51 +/- 0.42 to 30.97 +/- 0.25 mm and 2.33 +/- 0.01 to 3.09 +/- 0.05 microns, respectively; P < 0.05) and decreased for Sol muscles (26.09 +/- 0.38 to 20.27 +/- 0.34 mm and 3.17 +/- 0.03 to 2.22 +/- 0.04 microns, respectively; P < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)