Posterior Thigh & Popliteal Fossa Flashcards
What is the common name of the posterior thigh muscles?
Hamstrings
What are the muscles in the posterior compartment of the thigh?
Biceps Femoris M. (Long and short head)
Semitendinosus M.
Semimembranosus M.
What is the common proximal attachment for the posterior thigh muscles?
Ischial Tuberosity
***All except short head of biceps femoris
What is the common innervation of the posterior thigh muscles?
Tibial N. (division of Sciatic N.)
***All except short head of biceps femoris
What are the common functions of the posterior thigh muscles?
Leg flexion at knee
Thigh extension at hip (except short head of biceps femoris)
This muscle is located on the posteromedial aspect of the thigh and lies on the Semimembranosus M. throughout its entire length.
Semitendinosus M.
The Semitendinosus M. shares a proximal tendon with what other muscle?
Biceps Femoris M.
The Semitendinosus M. ends 2/3 down the thigh with a long, cord-like tendon that terminates as part of the…
Pes Anserinus
What are the actions of the Semitendinosus M.?
Flex leg
Extend thigh
Medially rotate flexed leg
What is the innervation of the Semitendinosus M.?
Tibial division of the sciatic nerve
This is a 3-fingered conjoined tendon that inserts on the anteromedial thigh. It is a common insertion for three muscles, each from a different compartment of the thigh.
Pes anserinus
What are the muscles that insert into Pes Anserinus, from anterior to posterior (superficial to deep)?
Sartorius M. (anterior compartment – Femoral N.)
Gracilis M. (medial compartment – Obturator N.)
Semitendinosus M. (posterior compartment – Tibial N.)
Pes Anserinus is superficial to what ligament?
Medial (Tibial) Collateral Ligament
This is the term for the inflammation of the anserine bursa located between the Pes Anserinus and MCL (often due to overuse or trauma). Results in constant, aching pain aggravated by activity (i.e., climbing stairs) specifically flexion and internal rotation of the knee.
Pes Anserine Bursitis
This muscle is on the posteromedial aspect of the thigh and is partly overlapped by the Semitendinosus M. and the deep surface lies on the Adductor Magnus M.
Semimembranosus M.
The Semimembranosus M. has a long, flat membranous tendon at the proximal attachment on the _______ _______. It inserts distally on the posterior part of the _______ _______ _______.
Ischial Tuberosity
Medial Tibial Condyle
What are the actions of the Semimembranosus M.?
Flex leg
Extend thigh
Medially rotate flexed leg
***Same as Semitendinosus M.
What innervates the Semimembranosus M.?
Tibial Division of the sciatic nerve
The distal tendon of the Semimembranosus M. divides into two main parts, which are…
Medial Tibial Condyle (muscle attachment)
Oblique Popliteal Ligament
The Oblique Popliteal Ligament reinforces the intercondylar portion of the knee joint capsule and forms part of the floor for the…
Popliteal Fossa
This muscle is located on the posterolateral aspect of the thigh and is composed of two heads arising from two distinct origins and sharing a common insertion.
Biceps Femoris M.
The Long Head of Biceps Femoris M. originates at the Ischial Tuberosity and inserts onto the…
Lateral aspect of Fibular head
***Same as short head
What are the actions of the Long Head of the Biceps Femoris M.?
Flex leg
Extend thigh
Laterally rotate flexed leg
***Remember, Semitendinosus and Semimembranosus both MEDIALLY rotated flexed leg
What innervates the Long Head of the Biceps Femoris M.?
Tibial division of the sciatic nerve
What nerve is located deep to the Long Head of the Biceps Femoris N.?
Sciatic N.
The Short Head of the Biceps Femoris M. inserts on the lateral aspect of the Fibular head, just like the Long head, but it originates on the…
Lateral lip of linea aspera
Lateral supracondylar line
What are the actions of the Short Head of the Biceps Femoris M.?
Flex leg
Laterally rotate flexed leg
***Remember, only hamstring muscle that does not extend thigh
What innervates the Short Head of the Biceps Femoris M.?
Common Fibular N.
***Remember, only hamstring muscle not innervated by Tibial N.
This muscle is located in the medial compartment of the thigh, but has a “hamstring portion” that runs vertically from the hip to the distal femur.
Adductor Magnus M.
The posterior surface of the Adductor Magnus M. lies on what muscle in the posterior thigh?
Semimembranosus M.
Between the adductor and hamstring portions of the Adductor Magnus M., this is a hole that is the termination of the Adductor Canal. It allows passage of femoral vessels from anterior to posterior thigh.
Adductor Hiatus
***Remember, Adductor Canal runs from apex of Femoral Triangle to the Adductor Hiatus
The hamstring portion of the Adductor Magnus M. originates on the Ischial Tuberosity and inserts on the…
Adductor Tubercle on Medial Condyle (Femur)
What innervates the hamstring portion of the Adductor Magnus M.?
Tibial N.
***Adductor portion innervated by Posterior Division of Obturator N.
A hamstring injury typically refers to a muscle strain or tear, but can also refer to hamstring tendinopathy. It can also involve an avulsion fracture from the…
Ischial Tuberosity