Hamstrings (A)

Question 1

What is the position of the hamstrings?

Answer 1

Posterior compartment of upper leg

Question 2

Describe the morphology of the hamstrings

Answer 2

Long head (bicep femoris) - fusiform, fibres run down and laterally
Short head - blends with tendon, tendon is split into lat/med condyle by collateral ligament
Semi-tendinosis - fusiform, long distal tendon, forms pes anserinus with gracilis and sartorius
Semi-membrinosis - fusiform, fibres run in all directions, but generally upwards and laterally to form oblique popliteal ligament

Question 3

What are the nerve supplies for the hamstrings?

Answer 3

Tibial portion of sciatic nerve
Short head of bicep femoris is common peroneal nerve

Question 4

What are the origins of the hamstrings?

Answer 4

Ischial tiberosity
Linea aspera for short head of bicep femoris

Question 5

What are the insertions of the hamstrings?

Answer 5

Semi-membrinosis: posterior medial epicondyle
Semi-tendinosis: long distal tendon
Bicep femoris: lateral/medial condyles via tendon

Question 6

What are the actions of the hamstrings?

Answer 6

knee flexion
hip extension

Question 7

What are the functions of the hamstrings?

Answer 7

walking
running
pelvic tilt