Lower Limbs - Thigh Posterior Compartment Quiz

Questions and Answers

What are the muscles in the posterior compartment of the thigh?

Biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus

What are the characteristics of the posterior compartment muscles?

Also known as hamstrings, it flexes the knee and extends the thigh. Can also rotate the knee. Innervated by the tibial division of the sciatic nerve. Supplied by the deep (femoral) artery of the thigh and the femoral artery.

What is the origin of the semitendinosus?

The semitendinosus originates at the ischial tuberosity.

Where does the semitendinosus insert?

The semitendinosus inserts at the medial surface of the superior part of the tibia. Signup and view all the answers

What innervates the semitendinosus?

The semitendinosus is innervated by the tibial division of the sciatic nerve. Signup and view all the answers

What action does the semitendinosus perform?

The semitendinosus extends the thigh, flexes the leg, and rotates the leg medially. Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the semimembranosus?

The semimembranosus originates at the ischial tuberosity. Signup and view all the answers

Where does the semimembranosus insert?

The semimembranosus inserts at the posterior part of the medial condyle of the tibia. Signup and view all the answers

What innervates the semimembranosus?

The semimembranosus is innervated by the tibial division of the sciatic nerve. Signup and view all the answers

What action does the semimembranosus perform?

The semimembranosus extends the thigh, flexes the leg, and rotates it medially. Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the biceps femoris?

The biceps femoris originates at the ischial tuberosity, linea aspera, and lateral supracondylar line of the femur. Signup and view all the answers

What is the insertion for the biceps femoris?

The biceps femoris inserts at the lateral side of the head of the fibula. Signup and view all the answers

What innervates the biceps femoris?

The biceps femoris is innervated by the tibial division of the sciatic nerve and the common fibular division of the sciatic nerve. Signup and view all the answers

What action does the biceps femoris perform?

The biceps femoris flexes the leg at the knee, rotates it laterally, and extends the thigh. Signup and view all the answers

Talk about hamstring injuries.

Hamstring injuries almost always occur at the proximal myotendinous junction. In the biceps femoris, this junction extends over most of its entire length. Injury usually does not occur within the tendon itself. Bony avulsions at the ischial origin may occur as well, but this is associated with sudden, large-force, hip-flexion injuries. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the functions of the anterior compartment, medial compartment, and posterior compartments.

Anterior compartment flexes the thigh. Medial compartment extends the leg. Posterior compartment extends leg and flexes thigh. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Posterior Compartment of Thigh

Consists of three primary muscles: biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus.
Collectively referred to as the hamstrings, responsible for knee flexion and thigh extension.
Innervated by the tibial division of the sciatic nerve.
Blood supply comes from the deep femoral artery and the femoral artery.

Semitendinosus Muscle

Originates from the ischial tuberosity.
Inserts at the medial surface of the superior part of the tibia.
Innervated by the tibial division of the sciatic nerve.
Actions include extending the thigh, flexing the leg, and medially rotating the leg.

Semimembranosus Muscle

Also originates from the ischial tuberosity.
Inserts into the posterior part of the medial condyle of the tibia.
Innervated by the tibial division of the sciatic nerve.
Functions similarly to the semitendinosus, extending the thigh, flexing the leg, and medially rotating it.

Biceps Femoris Muscle

Originates from the ischial tuberosity and the linea aspera of the femur, including the lateral supracondylar line.
Inserts on the lateral side of the head of the fibula.
Innervated by both the tibial and common fibular divisions of the sciatic nerve.
Responsible for knee flexion, lateral rotation of the leg, and thigh extension.

Hamstring Injuries

Commonly occur at the proximal myotendinous junction, particularly in the biceps femoris.
Injuries typically do not happen within the tendon itself.
Can include bony avulsions at the ischial origin, often linked to sudden, high-force hip-flexion injuries.

Comparative Muscle Functions

Anterior compartment primarily flexes the thigh.
Medial compartment primarily extends the leg.
Posterior compartment extends the thigh while flexing the leg.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the posterior compartment of the thigh, focusing on the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus muscles. This quiz covers their characteristics, functions, and innervation. Perfect for anatomy students and enthusiasts!