4. Posterior Thigh Musculature

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Questions and Answers

Which muscles are responsible for extending the hip joint?

Semitendinosus and Biceps Femoris long head (correct)

Plantaris and Biceps Femoris short head

Semimembranosus and Gastrocnemius

Semitendinosus and Plantaris

What action do the hamstring muscles perform at the knee joint?

Medially rotate the knee

Stabilize the knee in extension

Extend the knee

Flex the knee (correct)

Which portion of the sciatic nerve innervates the short head of the Biceps Femoris?

Femoral nerve

Tibial portion

Common fibular portion (correct)

Obturator nerve

Which of the following muscles does not contribute to medial rotation of the leg?

Biceps Femoris long head Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Popliteus muscle?

Medially rotate the leg Signup and view all the answers

In which anatomical structure is the popliteal fossa located?

Posterior aspect of the knee Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is primarily responsible for stabilizing the knee during the initial stance phase of walking?

Popliteus Signup and view all the answers

What type of injury is most commonly associated with the hamstring muscles?

Muscle strain Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve roots are associated with the inferior cluneal nerves?

Sacral ventral rami Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is primarily responsible for hip extension and knee flexion?

Biceps femoris Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the ischial bursa?

Separate the glut max from the ischial tuberosity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is NOT considered part of the hamstring group?

Rectus femoris Signup and view all the answers

Which hamstring muscle has its proximal attachment at the linea aspera?

Biceps femoris (short head) Signup and view all the answers

What is the anatomical location of the gluteofemoral bursa?

Between the iliotibial band and vastus lateralis Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle originates from the ischial tuberosity but does not insert on the tibia?

Biceps femoris (short head) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common injury associated with the hamstring musculature?

Hamstring strain Signup and view all the answers

The semitendinosus tendon inserts at which location on the tibia?

Medial surface of superior tibia Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve primarily innervates the hamstring muscles?

Tibial nerve Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Functional Anatomy of the Posterior Thigh

The posterior thigh is organized into 3 compartments separated by intermuscular septa.
The posterior thigh contains muscles that extend the hip and flex the knee. The hamstrings are a key muscle group in this region.
Cluneal Nerves:
- Superior cluneal nerves are located above the iliac crest.
- Medial (middle) cluneal nerves are near the sacrum's midline.
- Inferior cluneal nerves are below the gluteus maximus inferior border.
- These nerves arise from either dorsal or ventral rami of the sacral spinal nerves.

Organization of the Thigh

The thigh is categorized into anterior, medial, and posterior compartments.
These compartments are separated by intermuscular septa.
The posterior thigh muscles primarily extend the hip and flex the knee.
The hamstring muscles are a significant component of the posterior thigh.

Bursa in the Region

Bursae are located in areas prone to friction. They are lined with synovial membrane.
Types of bursae in the posterior thigh region include:
- Ischial bursa: separates gluteus maximus from ischial tuberosity.
- Iliopsoas bursa: separates iliopsoas muscle from the joint.
- Trochanteric bursa: separates gluteus maximus from greater trochanter.
- Gluteofemoral bursa: separates iliotibial band from vastus lateralis.

Hamstring Musculature

Semitendinosus:
- Originates from the ischial tuberosity.
- Inserts on the medial surface of the superior tibia (pes anserinus).
Semimembranosus:
- Originates from the ischial tuberosity.
- Inserts on the posterior part of the medial tibial condyle.
- Also attaches to the oblique popliteal ligament (SMOP).
Biceps Femoris:
- Long head: originates from the ischial tuberosity.
- Short head: originates from the linea aspera and lateral supracondylar line of the femur.
- Inserts distally into the lateral head of the fibula.

Bony Attachments of Muscles of Hip and Thigh

The posterior thigh muscles have various origins on the ischial tuberosity, linea aspera, and lateral supracondylar line of the femur.
They insert on various bony locations in the leg and thigh.

Popliteal Fossa

A diamond-shaped depression in the posterior aspect of the knee.
Superiorly bounded by the hamstring muscles.
Inferiorly bounded by the gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles.
Posteriorly lined by skin and fascia.
Anteriorly bounded by the surface of the femur and the oblique popliteal ligament.

Popliteal Fossa Contents

The popliteal fossa houses popliteal arteries and veins (deeper structures).
The lesser saphenous vein (superficial) is also present here as superficial structure.
Nerves (e.g., tibial and common peroneal nerves, and sural nerves) are within the fossa.
Lymph nodes and vessels are part of the popliteal fossa's vasculature.
Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve innervates skin in the region.

Knee - Medial View

Muscles that surround the knee joint are described.
Bony landmarks and ligaments are identified on the medial aspect of the knee.
Important anatomical structures like the oblique popliteal ligament are discussed.

Knee - Lateral View

Muscles, ligaments and important anatomical structures of the knee are detailed on the lateral aspect of the knee joint.

Nerves

Major nerves in the posterior thigh region, like the sciatic nerve, common fibular (peroneal) branch, and tibial branch are named within the context of structures of the posterior thigh.
Plantaris muscle is discussed, with location and innervations.
Sural nerves are mentioned.

Popliteus Muscle

Popliteus is a muscle located in the popliteal fossa.
Origin and insertion are described.

Plantaris Muscle

Plantaris is a small muscle in the posterior compartment of the lower leg.
Origin and insertion are detailed.

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Description

Explore the intricacies of the posterior thigh's anatomy, including its compartments and the key hamstring muscles. Understand the roles of the cluneal nerves and the significance of bursae in this region. This quiz is designed to test your knowledge of functional anatomy relevant to the posterior thigh.