10.1 Posterior Compartment of the Thigh

Question 1

Identify the fascia lata. Describe its purpose.

Answer 1

thick spandex-like connective tissue investiture of the thigh, Venous return?

Question 2

Identify the Iliotibial tract and describe its purpose.

Answer 2

thickened fascia lata on the lateral aspect of the thigh.

Question 3

Identify the tensor fascia latae, its attachments, innervation, and function.

Answer 3

1. Attachments: Proximally, ASIS and anterior iliac crest; Distally, iliotibial tract
2. Actions: flexes thigh
3. Innervation: Superior gluteal n. (L4-S1)

Question 4

Identify the muscles of the posterior thigh which make up the Hamstrings. 
Functions and Innervation for each:
Semitendinosus/Semimembranosus
Biceps femoris, long head:
Biceps femoris, short head:

Answer 4

Semitendinosus

1. Attachments: Proximally, ischial tuberosity; Distally, superomedial tibia
2. Actions: Extends thigh, flexes leg, medially rotates leg when knee flexed, extends trunk when thigh and leg are flexed
3. Innervation: tibial division of sciatic n. (L5-S2)

Semimembranosus

1. Attachments: Proximally, ischial tuberosity; Distally, posterior medial condyle of tibia (forms oblique popliteal ligament)
2. Actions: Extends thigh, flexes leg, medially rotates leg when knee flexed, extends trunk when thigh and leg are flexed
3. Innervation: tibial division of sciatic n. (L5-S2)

Biceps femoris, long head:

1. Attachments: Proximally, ischial tuberosity; Distally, lateral fibular head
2. Actions: flexes leg, laterally rotates leg when knee is flexed, extends thigh
3. Innervation: tibial division of sciatic n. (L5-S2)

Biceps femoris, short head:

1. Attachments: Proximally, linea aspera and supracondylar line of femur; Distally, lateral fibular head
2. Actions: flexes and laterally rotates leg when knee is flexed, extends thigh
3. Innervation: common fibular (peroneal) division of sciatic n. (L4-S2)

Question 5

Identify the Pes Anserinus (goose’s foot)

Answer 5

the common distal attachment to the medial aspect of the proximal tibia of the gracillis, sartorious, and semitendinosus.

Question 6

Identify the sciatic nerve. Spinal roots?

Answer 6

L4-S3

Question 7

Identify the tibial nerve and common fibular nerves.
Where does this branch from?
Spinal roots?

Answer 7

Terminal branches of sciatic nerve near popliteal fossa.
Tibial n: L4-S3
Common Fibular n: L4-S2

Question 8

Describe the popliteal artery and vein and adductor hiatus.

Answer 8

These vessels disappear from the posterior thigh superior by entering the adductor hiatus.