Posterior Compartment of the Thigh Muscles
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Questions and Answers

What structure does the tibial nerve originate from?

  • Femoral nerve
  • Common fibular nerve
  • Sciatic nerve (correct)
  • Popliteal nerve

    • Which of the following muscles receives muscular branches from the tibial nerve?

  • Biceps femoris
  • Tibialis anterior
  • Soleus (correct)
  • Rectus femoris

    • What is the role of the popliteal lymph nodes?

  • Drain blood from the foot
  • Supply nerves to the lower leg
  • Contract to aid in venous return
  • Receive superficial and deep lymph vessels (correct)

    • Where does the tibial nerve descend through?

    <p>Popliteal fossa</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What accompanies the sural nerve as it travels?

    <p>Small saphenous vein</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which branch of the tibial nerve provides cutaneous sensation?

    <p>Sural nerve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the sural nerve continue into after passing beneath the lateral malleolus?

    <p>Lateral dorsal cutaneous nerve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which structure does the tibial nerve pass deep to before entering the posterior compartment of the leg?

    <p>Tendinous arch</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the popliteal lymph nodes?

    <p>Lymphatic drainage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which nerve joins the sural nerve at a variable level?

    <p>Lateral sural cutaneous nerve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What structure do the efferent vessels from popliteal lymph nodes terminate in?

    <p>Deep inguinal lymph nodes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which region does the tibial nerve primarily pass through before entering the posterior compartment of the leg?

    <p>Popliteal fossa</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which muscle does NOT receive muscular branches from the tibial nerve?

    <p>Tensor fasciae latae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What function do the articular branches of the tibial nerve serve?

    <p>Provide sensory innervation to the knee joint</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which vein is associated with the tributaries of the tibial nerve?

    <p>Small saphenous vein</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where does the sural nerve primarily accompany during its descent?

    <p>Small saphenous vein</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The sural nerve is formed by a combination of branches from which nerve?

    <p>Tibial nerve and common fibular nerve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of the body does the popliteal lymph nodes primarily drain?

    <p>Lateral part of the foot and leg</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the path of the tibial nerve after leaving the popliteal fossa?

    <p>Passes deep to the tendinous arch of the soleus muscle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What regions do the deep lymph vessels that drain to the popliteal lymph nodes accompany?

    <p>Anterior and posterior tibial vessels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The popliteal fossa is a square-shaped space located anterior to the knee joint.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The sciatic nerve divides into the tibial and common fibular nerves in the upper third of the thigh.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The biceps femoris muscle is located superomedially in the boundaries of the popliteal fossa.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The popliteal artery is one of the contents found within the popliteal fossa.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The posterior wall of the popliteal fossa is formed by the deep fascia over the region.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The adductor magnus is related posteriorly to the sciatic nerve.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The boundaries of the popliteal fossa include the semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles on the inferomedial side.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Muscular branches of the sciatic nerve innervate the short head of biceps femoris from the tibial division.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The contents of the popliteal fossa include the terminal part of the small saphenous vein.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The anterior wall of the popliteal fossa comprises the popliteus muscle.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following structures with their descriptions:

    <p>Popliteal Lymph Nodes = Receive lymph from superficial vessels of the foot and leg Sural Nerve = Accompanies the small saphenous vein Tibial Nerve = Originates from the sciatic nerve Muscular Branches = Innervate gastrocnemius, soleus, and popliteus muscles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the tributaries/sources with the veins they correspond to:

    <p>Small Saphenous Vein = Tributary to the popliteal vein Deep lymph vessels = Accompany anterior and posterior tibial vessels Popliteal Vein = Receives blood from the small saphenous vein Lateral Sural Cutaneous Nerve = Joins with the sural nerve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the branches of the tibial nerve with their functions:

    <p>Articular Branches = Supply sensation to the knee joint Sural Communicating Branch = Joins the sural nerve Muscular Branches = Innervate the lateral head of gastrocnemius Cutaneous Branch = Provides sensation to the posterior leg</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the anatomical locations with the structures they refer to:

    <p>Popliteal Fossa = Area behind the knee joint Posterior Compartment of Leg = Where the tibial nerve enters after the fossa Connection of Popliteal Nodes = Terminate in deep inguinal lymph nodes Deep Inguinal Nodes = Final drainage of efferent vessels from popliteal lymph nodes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the lymphatic drainage sources with their corresponding functions:

    <p>Superficial Lymph Vessels = Drain lateral parts of foot and leg to popliteal nodes Deep Lymph Vessels = Accompany tibial blood vessels to popliteal nodes Efferent Vessels = Transport lymph from popliteal nodes Connective Tissue in Popliteal Fossa = Houses popliteal lymph nodes among fat</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the popliteal lymph nodes specifically embedded in?

    <p>Connective tissue and fat</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which vessels accompany the efferent vessels from popliteal lymph nodes?

    <p>Popliteal and femoral vessels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which nerve is a cutaneous branch of the tibial nerve that is also known for joining the sural nerve?

    <p>Medial sural cutaneous nerve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following structures does the tibial nerve pass deep to while entering the posterior compartment of the leg?

    <p>Tendinous arch of the soleus muscle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the muscular branches of the tibial nerve?

    <p>Innervating the medial and lateral heads of gastrocnemius</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which nerve continues along the lateral border of the foot after passing beneath the lateral malleolus?

    <p>Sural nerve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the body do the popliteal lymph nodes receive lymph from?

    <p>Lateral part of foot and leg</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of branches does the tibial nerve give in the popliteal fossa?

    <p>Muscular and articular branches</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the articular branches of the tibial nerve?

    <p>Providing innervation to the knee joint</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where do deep lymph vessels that drain to the popliteal lymph nodes primarily accompany?

    <p>Anterior and posterior tibial vessels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The popliteal lymph nodes receive lymph exclusively from the medial part of the foot and leg.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The sural nerve is formed by the combination of branches from the tibial nerve and the common fibular nerve.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The tibial nerve branches into the muscular branches for the medial and lateral heads of the biceps femoris.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Efferent vessels from the popliteal lymph nodes convey lymph directly to the superficial inguinal lymph nodes.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The tibial nerve leaves the popliteal fossa by passing anterior to the tendinous arch of the soleus muscle.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Muscles of the Posterior Thigh

    • Biceps Femoris: Comprised of long and short heads; originates from ischial tuberosity (long head) and linea aspera (short head), inserting into the head of the fibula.

    • Long head receives innervation from the tibial division of the sciatic nerve, while the short head is innervated by the common fibular division. Actions include flexion and lateral rotation of the leg at the knee and extension of the thigh at the hip (long head only).

    • Semitendinosus: Originates from the ischial tuberosity and inserts into the upper part of the tibia via a long tendon, part of the pes anserinus. Innervated by the tibial division of the sciatic nerve. Functions in flexion and medial rotation of the leg at the knee, and extension of the thigh at the hip.

    • Semimembranosus: Also originating from the ischial tuberosity, it inserts into the posterior aspect of the medial condyle of the tibia. Its tendon reinforces the knee capsule through the oblique popliteal ligament. Innervation is via the tibial division of the sciatic nerve. Similar actions to the semitendinosus.

    Blood Supply of the Posterior Compartment

    • Lacks a major artery; primarily supplied by perforating branches of the profunda femoris artery.
    • Perforating arteries anastomose with each other and contribute to a cruciate anastomosis involving the inferior gluteal and circumflex femoral arteries, ensuring blood flow to distal hamstring muscles.

    Sciatic Nerve

    • Emerges from the gluteal region, passing deep to the long head of biceps femoris and descends along the midline of the posterior thigh.
    • In the lower third of the thigh, it divides into the tibial and common fibular nerves.
    • Provides muscular branches to hamstring muscles and the adductor part.

    Popliteal Fossa

    • Located posterior to the knee joint, shaped like a diamond.
    • Boundaries:
      • Superolateral: biceps femoris
      • Superomedial: semitendinosus and semimembranosus
      • Inferolateral: lateral head of gastrocnemius and plantaris
      • Inferomedial: medial head of gastrocnemius
    • Contents: Popliteal artery, vein, tibial and common fibular nerves, small saphenous vein, popliteal lymph nodes, and adipose tissue.

    Popliteal Artery

    • Begins at the adductor hiatus, a continuation of the femoral artery, and splits into anterior and posterior tibial arteries at the inferior border of the popliteus muscle.
    • Located deep within the popliteal fossa, vulnerable during femoral supracondylar fractures.
    • Branches:
      • Muscular branches to gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, and hamstring muscles.
      • Genicular branches supply the knee joint, aiding in arterial anastomoses.

    Popliteal Vein

    • Formed by the merging of anterior and posterior tibial veins at the popliteus muscle's inferior border.
    • Ascends through the popliteal fossa, posterior to the artery and anterior to the tibial nerve.
    • Tributaries include corresponding veins of the popliteal artery and the small saphenous vein.

    Popliteal Lymph Nodes

    • Located within connective tissue of the popliteal fossa.
    • Drain superficial and deep lymph vessels from the lower limb and foot.
    • Efferent lymphatics accompany popliteal and femoral vessels, ending in deep inguinal lymph nodes.

    Tibial Nerve

    • Arises in the lower third of the thigh from the sciatic nerve, traversing the popliteal fossa and entering the posterior compartment of the leg.
    • Supplies muscular branches to the gastrocnemius, soleus, and popliteus muscles.
    • Gives rise to the sural nerve, which runs alongside the small saphenous vein and innervates the lateral side of the foot.

    Muscles of the Posterior Thigh

    • Biceps Femoris: Comprised of long and short heads; originates from ischial tuberosity (long head) and linea aspera (short head), inserting into the head of the fibula.

    • Long head receives innervation from the tibial division of the sciatic nerve, while the short head is innervated by the common fibular division. Actions include flexion and lateral rotation of the leg at the knee and extension of the thigh at the hip (long head only).

    • Semitendinosus: Originates from the ischial tuberosity and inserts into the upper part of the tibia via a long tendon, part of the pes anserinus. Innervated by the tibial division of the sciatic nerve. Functions in flexion and medial rotation of the leg at the knee, and extension of the thigh at the hip.

    • Semimembranosus: Also originating from the ischial tuberosity, it inserts into the posterior aspect of the medial condyle of the tibia. Its tendon reinforces the knee capsule through the oblique popliteal ligament. Innervation is via the tibial division of the sciatic nerve. Similar actions to the semitendinosus.

    Blood Supply of the Posterior Compartment

    • Lacks a major artery; primarily supplied by perforating branches of the profunda femoris artery.
    • Perforating arteries anastomose with each other and contribute to a cruciate anastomosis involving the inferior gluteal and circumflex femoral arteries, ensuring blood flow to distal hamstring muscles.

    Sciatic Nerve

    • Emerges from the gluteal region, passing deep to the long head of biceps femoris and descends along the midline of the posterior thigh.
    • In the lower third of the thigh, it divides into the tibial and common fibular nerves.
    • Provides muscular branches to hamstring muscles and the adductor part.

    Popliteal Fossa

    • Located posterior to the knee joint, shaped like a diamond.
    • Boundaries:
      • Superolateral: biceps femoris
      • Superomedial: semitendinosus and semimembranosus
      • Inferolateral: lateral head of gastrocnemius and plantaris
      • Inferomedial: medial head of gastrocnemius
    • Contents: Popliteal artery, vein, tibial and common fibular nerves, small saphenous vein, popliteal lymph nodes, and adipose tissue.

    Popliteal Artery

    • Begins at the adductor hiatus, a continuation of the femoral artery, and splits into anterior and posterior tibial arteries at the inferior border of the popliteus muscle.
    • Located deep within the popliteal fossa, vulnerable during femoral supracondylar fractures.
    • Branches:
      • Muscular branches to gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, and hamstring muscles.
      • Genicular branches supply the knee joint, aiding in arterial anastomoses.

    Popliteal Vein

    • Formed by the merging of anterior and posterior tibial veins at the popliteus muscle's inferior border.
    • Ascends through the popliteal fossa, posterior to the artery and anterior to the tibial nerve.
    • Tributaries include corresponding veins of the popliteal artery and the small saphenous vein.

    Popliteal Lymph Nodes

    • Located within connective tissue of the popliteal fossa.
    • Drain superficial and deep lymph vessels from the lower limb and foot.
    • Efferent lymphatics accompany popliteal and femoral vessels, ending in deep inguinal lymph nodes.

    Tibial Nerve

    • Arises in the lower third of the thigh from the sciatic nerve, traversing the popliteal fossa and entering the posterior compartment of the leg.
    • Supplies muscular branches to the gastrocnemius, soleus, and popliteus muscles.
    • Gives rise to the sural nerve, which runs alongside the small saphenous vein and innervates the lateral side of the foot.

    Nerves in the Popliteal Region

    • Terminal part of posterior cutaneous nerve of thigh provides sensory innervation.
    • Genicular branch of obturator nerve supplies the knee joint.
    • Popliteal lymph nodes located in fat and connective tissue of fossa; receive lymph from foot and leg.

    Popliteal Artery

    • Begins at adductor hiatus as a continuation of the femoral artery.
    • Terminates at inferior border of popliteus muscle, dividing into anterior and posterior tibial arteries.
    • Most deeply located structure in the popliteal fossa; vulnerable in supracondylar fractures of the femur.
    • Popliteal vein is posterior to the artery, with the tibial nerve behind the vein.
    • Major branches include:
      • Muscular branches supply gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, and distal hamstring muscles.
      • Genicular branches (2 superior, 2 inferior, 1 middle) participate in arterial anastomosis around the knee joint.
      • Middle genicular artery supplies cruciate ligaments; pierces oblique popliteal ligament.

    Popliteal Vein

    • Formed at inferior border of popliteus muscle by merging anterior and posterior tibial veins.
    • Terminates at adductor hiatus, transitioning to the femoral vein.
    • Ascends through the fossa, located posterior to the popliteal artery and anterior to the tibial nerve.
    • Tributaries correspond to artery branches; includes the small saphenous vein.

    Tibial Nerve

    • Originates from sciatic nerve in lower thigh; descends vertically in popliteal fossa.
    • Enters the posterior compartment of the leg deep to the tendinous arch of the soleus muscle.
    • Major branches include:
      • Muscular branches to gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, and popliteus.
      • Articular branches to the knee joint.
      • Sural nerve formed by a cutaneous branch that pierces crural fascia; continues with the small saphenous vein.

    Muscles of the Posterior Thigh

    • Biceps Femoris:

      • Long head from ischial tuberosity; short head from linea aspera.
      • Inserts into the head of the fibula.
      • Innervated by tibial nerve (long head) and common fibular nerve (short head).
      • Actions: flexion and lateral rotation at knee; extension of thigh (long head only).

    • Semitendinosus:

      • Originates from ischial tuberosity; inserts at medial shaft of tibia (part of pes anserinus).
      • Innervated by tibial nerve.
      • Actions: flexion and medial rotation at knee; extension of thigh.

    • Semimembranosus:

      • Originates from ischial tuberosity; inserts on medial condyle of tibia.
      • Provides fibers for the oblique popliteal ligament.
      • Innervated by tibial nerve.
      • Actions: flexion and medial rotation at knee; extension of thigh.

    Blood Supply of the Posterior Thigh

    • No major artery specifically for this compartment.
    • Main blood supply from perforating branches of profunda femoris artery.
    • Anastomoses occur among these arteries, connecting with popliteal artery branches.

    Sciatic Nerve

    • Leaves gluteal region beneath the long head of biceps femoris.
    • Descends through midline of posterior thigh; divided into tibial and common fibular nerves in the lower third.
    • Branches supply hamstring muscles and adductor magnus.

    Popliteal Fossa

    • Diamond-shaped space behind the knee joint.
    • Boundaries:
      • Superolateral: biceps femoris.
      • Superomedial: semitendinosus, semimembranosus.
      • Inferolateral: lateral head of gastrocnemius, plantaris.
      • Inferomedial: medial head of gastrocnemius.
    • Anterior wall formed by the popliteal surface of femur, joint capsule, and popliteus muscle.
    • Posterior wall consists of deep fascia, continuous with fascia lata and crural fascia.
    • Contains popliteal artery and vein, terminal part of small saphenous vein, tibial and common fibular nerves.

    Muscles of the Posterior Thigh

    • Biceps Femoris: Comprised of long and short heads; originates from ischial tuberosity (long head) and linea aspera (short head), inserting into the head of the fibula.

    • Long head receives innervation from the tibial division of the sciatic nerve, while the short head is innervated by the common fibular division. Actions include flexion and lateral rotation of the leg at the knee and extension of the thigh at the hip (long head only).

    • Semitendinosus: Originates from the ischial tuberosity and inserts into the upper part of the tibia via a long tendon, part of the pes anserinus. Innervated by the tibial division of the sciatic nerve. Functions in flexion and medial rotation of the leg at the knee, and extension of the thigh at the hip.

    • Semimembranosus: Also originating from the ischial tuberosity, it inserts into the posterior aspect of the medial condyle of the tibia. Its tendon reinforces the knee capsule through the oblique popliteal ligament. Innervation is via the tibial division of the sciatic nerve. Similar actions to the semitendinosus.

    Blood Supply of the Posterior Compartment

    • Lacks a major artery; primarily supplied by perforating branches of the profunda femoris artery.
    • Perforating arteries anastomose with each other and contribute to a cruciate anastomosis involving the inferior gluteal and circumflex femoral arteries, ensuring blood flow to distal hamstring muscles.

    Sciatic Nerve

    • Emerges from the gluteal region, passing deep to the long head of biceps femoris and descends along the midline of the posterior thigh.
    • In the lower third of the thigh, it divides into the tibial and common fibular nerves.
    • Provides muscular branches to hamstring muscles and the adductor part.

    Popliteal Fossa

    • Located posterior to the knee joint, shaped like a diamond.
    • Boundaries:
      • Superolateral: biceps femoris
      • Superomedial: semitendinosus and semimembranosus
      • Inferolateral: lateral head of gastrocnemius and plantaris
      • Inferomedial: medial head of gastrocnemius
    • Contents: Popliteal artery, vein, tibial and common fibular nerves, small saphenous vein, popliteal lymph nodes, and adipose tissue.

    Popliteal Artery

    • Begins at the adductor hiatus, a continuation of the femoral artery, and splits into anterior and posterior tibial arteries at the inferior border of the popliteus muscle.
    • Located deep within the popliteal fossa, vulnerable during femoral supracondylar fractures.
    • Branches:
      • Muscular branches to gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, and hamstring muscles.
      • Genicular branches supply the knee joint, aiding in arterial anastomoses.

    Popliteal Vein

    • Formed by the merging of anterior and posterior tibial veins at the popliteus muscle's inferior border.
    • Ascends through the popliteal fossa, posterior to the artery and anterior to the tibial nerve.
    • Tributaries include corresponding veins of the popliteal artery and the small saphenous vein.

    Popliteal Lymph Nodes

    • Located within connective tissue of the popliteal fossa.
    • Drain superficial and deep lymph vessels from the lower limb and foot.
    • Efferent lymphatics accompany popliteal and femoral vessels, ending in deep inguinal lymph nodes.

    Tibial Nerve

    • Arises in the lower third of the thigh from the sciatic nerve, traversing the popliteal fossa and entering the posterior compartment of the leg.
    • Supplies muscular branches to the gastrocnemius, soleus, and popliteus muscles.
    • Gives rise to the sural nerve, which runs alongside the small saphenous vein and innervates the lateral side of the foot.

    Muscles of the Posterior Thigh

    • Biceps Femoris: Comprised of long and short heads; originates from ischial tuberosity (long head) and linea aspera (short head), inserting into the head of the fibula.

    • Long head receives innervation from the tibial division of the sciatic nerve, while the short head is innervated by the common fibular division. Actions include flexion and lateral rotation of the leg at the knee and extension of the thigh at the hip (long head only).

    • Semitendinosus: Originates from the ischial tuberosity and inserts into the upper part of the tibia via a long tendon, part of the pes anserinus. Innervated by the tibial division of the sciatic nerve. Functions in flexion and medial rotation of the leg at the knee, and extension of the thigh at the hip.

    • Semimembranosus: Also originating from the ischial tuberosity, it inserts into the posterior aspect of the medial condyle of the tibia. Its tendon reinforces the knee capsule through the oblique popliteal ligament. Innervation is via the tibial division of the sciatic nerve. Similar actions to the semitendinosus.

    Blood Supply of the Posterior Compartment

    • Lacks a major artery; primarily supplied by perforating branches of the profunda femoris artery.
    • Perforating arteries anastomose with each other and contribute to a cruciate anastomosis involving the inferior gluteal and circumflex femoral arteries, ensuring blood flow to distal hamstring muscles.

    Sciatic Nerve

    • Emerges from the gluteal region, passing deep to the long head of biceps femoris and descends along the midline of the posterior thigh.
    • In the lower third of the thigh, it divides into the tibial and common fibular nerves.
    • Provides muscular branches to hamstring muscles and the adductor part.

    Popliteal Fossa

    • Located posterior to the knee joint, shaped like a diamond.
    • Boundaries:
      • Superolateral: biceps femoris
      • Superomedial: semitendinosus and semimembranosus
      • Inferolateral: lateral head of gastrocnemius and plantaris
      • Inferomedial: medial head of gastrocnemius
    • Contents: Popliteal artery, vein, tibial and common fibular nerves, small saphenous vein, popliteal lymph nodes, and adipose tissue.

    Popliteal Artery

    • Begins at the adductor hiatus, a continuation of the femoral artery, and splits into anterior and posterior tibial arteries at the inferior border of the popliteus muscle.
    • Located deep within the popliteal fossa, vulnerable during femoral supracondylar fractures.
    • Branches:
      • Muscular branches to gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, and hamstring muscles.
      • Genicular branches supply the knee joint, aiding in arterial anastomoses.

    Popliteal Vein

    • Formed by the merging of anterior and posterior tibial veins at the popliteus muscle's inferior border.
    • Ascends through the popliteal fossa, posterior to the artery and anterior to the tibial nerve.
    • Tributaries include corresponding veins of the popliteal artery and the small saphenous vein.

    Popliteal Lymph Nodes

    • Located within connective tissue of the popliteal fossa.
    • Drain superficial and deep lymph vessels from the lower limb and foot.
    • Efferent lymphatics accompany popliteal and femoral vessels, ending in deep inguinal lymph nodes.

    Tibial Nerve

    • Arises in the lower third of the thigh from the sciatic nerve, traversing the popliteal fossa and entering the posterior compartment of the leg.
    • Supplies muscular branches to the gastrocnemius, soleus, and popliteus muscles.
    • Gives rise to the sural nerve, which runs alongside the small saphenous vein and innervates the lateral side of the foot.

    Muscles of the Posterior Thigh

    • Biceps Femoris: Comprised of long and short heads; originates from ischial tuberosity (long head) and linea aspera (short head), inserting into the head of the fibula.

    • Long head receives innervation from the tibial division of the sciatic nerve, while the short head is innervated by the common fibular division. Actions include flexion and lateral rotation of the leg at the knee and extension of the thigh at the hip (long head only).

    • Semitendinosus: Originates from the ischial tuberosity and inserts into the upper part of the tibia via a long tendon, part of the pes anserinus. Innervated by the tibial division of the sciatic nerve. Functions in flexion and medial rotation of the leg at the knee, and extension of the thigh at the hip.

    • Semimembranosus: Also originating from the ischial tuberosity, it inserts into the posterior aspect of the medial condyle of the tibia. Its tendon reinforces the knee capsule through the oblique popliteal ligament. Innervation is via the tibial division of the sciatic nerve. Similar actions to the semitendinosus.

    Blood Supply of the Posterior Compartment

    • Lacks a major artery; primarily supplied by perforating branches of the profunda femoris artery.
    • Perforating arteries anastomose with each other and contribute to a cruciate anastomosis involving the inferior gluteal and circumflex femoral arteries, ensuring blood flow to distal hamstring muscles.

    Sciatic Nerve

    • Emerges from the gluteal region, passing deep to the long head of biceps femoris and descends along the midline of the posterior thigh.
    • In the lower third of the thigh, it divides into the tibial and common fibular nerves.
    • Provides muscular branches to hamstring muscles and the adductor part.

    Popliteal Fossa

    • Located posterior to the knee joint, shaped like a diamond.
    • Boundaries:
      • Superolateral: biceps femoris
      • Superomedial: semitendinosus and semimembranosus
      • Inferolateral: lateral head of gastrocnemius and plantaris
      • Inferomedial: medial head of gastrocnemius
    • Contents: Popliteal artery, vein, tibial and common fibular nerves, small saphenous vein, popliteal lymph nodes, and adipose tissue.

    Popliteal Artery

    • Begins at the adductor hiatus, a continuation of the femoral artery, and splits into anterior and posterior tibial arteries at the inferior border of the popliteus muscle.
    • Located deep within the popliteal fossa, vulnerable during femoral supracondylar fractures.
    • Branches:
      • Muscular branches to gastrocnemius, soleus, plantaris, and hamstring muscles.
      • Genicular branches supply the knee joint, aiding in arterial anastomoses.

    Popliteal Vein

    • Formed by the merging of anterior and posterior tibial veins at the popliteus muscle's inferior border.
    • Ascends through the popliteal fossa, posterior to the artery and anterior to the tibial nerve.
    • Tributaries include corresponding veins of the popliteal artery and the small saphenous vein.

    Popliteal Lymph Nodes

    • Located within connective tissue of the popliteal fossa.
    • Drain superficial and deep lymph vessels from the lower limb and foot.
    • Efferent lymphatics accompany popliteal and femoral vessels, ending in deep inguinal lymph nodes.

    Tibial Nerve

    • Arises in the lower third of the thigh from the sciatic nerve, traversing the popliteal fossa and entering the posterior compartment of the leg.
    • Supplies muscular branches to the gastrocnemius, soleus, and popliteus muscles.
    • Gives rise to the sural nerve, which runs alongside the small saphenous vein and innervates the lateral side of the foot.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the muscles of the posterior compartment of the thigh, focusing on the Biceps Femoris. It includes details on origin, insertion, and nerve supply for both the long and short heads of the muscle.

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