Superficial Posterior Thigh Muscles

Question 1

Posterior Thigh

Answer 1

Muscles that are prinicpally concerned with extension of the thigh and flexion of the leg

Question 2

Gluteus maximus

Answer 2

Largest of the three, most superficial muscle
Enclosed by the fascia lata
Location: insert into the upper portion of the iliotibial tract
Function: Extend the thigh

Question 3

Gluteus medius

Answer 3

Location: deep to the gluteus maximus
Function: prevent adduction when weight of the body is supported on one leg

Question 4

Gluteus Minimus

Answer 4

Location: deep to the gluteus medius
Function: prevent adduction when weight of the body is supported on one leg

Question 5

Three gluteus muscle

Answer 5

Run in various direction across the posterior pelvis.

Function: during walking, muscles on either side alternate in contractions

Question 6

Ischial Tiberosity

Answer 6

Location: beneath the gluteus maximus
Function: serves as the common origin of the “hamstring muscles” and attaches to the powerful sacrotuberous ligmanet

Question 7

Three Hamstrong muscles

Answer 7

Semitendinosus, semimembranosus and biceps femoris

Question 8

Semitendinosus and Semimembranosus muscles

Answer 8

Location: attach to the medial condyle and adjacent surface of the tibia
Semitendinosus: long stout tendon
Semimembranosus: karge fleshy belly attached to a shortened tendon.

Question 9

Biceps femoris

Answer 9

Consists of two segments: long head, and short head

Location: merge to insert on the lateral condyle of the tibia and the head of the fibula.

Question 10

Long head of the biceps femoris

Answer 10

Location: originating from the ichial tuberosity and sacrotuberous ligament

Question 11

Short head of the biceps femoris

Answer 11

Location: arises along the linea aspera of the femur

Question 12

The hamstring muscles (Function)

Answer 12

Act in unison to extend the thigh and flex the leg
Not nearly as big as the quadriceps femoris muscles
These are weaker muscles and are frequently injured.

Question 13

Popliteal Fossa

Answer 13

Location: btwn the divergence of the hamstring tendons above and the beginning of the gastrocnemius muscles below.
Function: contains abundant lymph nodes as well as the nerves and vessels connecting the thigh and leg.

Question 14

Adductor Magnus

Answer 14

Location: located deep to the biceps femoris and under the gluteus maximus

Question 15

Gracilis Muscles

Answer 15

Function: assists the adductor muscles in movement of the thigh and acts in flexion and medial rotation of the leg.