Posterior compartment of thigh

Posterior compartment of thigh

Cross-section through the middle of the thigh.
Latin	Compartimentum femoris posterius
Nerve	Sciatic nerve
System	Muscular system

The Posterior compartment of thigh refers to the area located at the back of the thigh. It is one of the three compartments in the thigh, the other two being the anterior and medial compartments.

Anatomy

The posterior compartment of the thigh is separated from the anterior and medial compartments by the lateral and medial intermuscular septa. It contains three muscles, namely the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. These muscles are also known as the hamstring muscles.

Cross-section through the middle of the thigh.

Function

The muscles in the posterior compartment of the thigh are primarily responsible for the flexion of the knee and extension of the hip.

Clinical significance

Injuries to the posterior compartment of the thigh, such as a hamstring strain, are common in athletes and can result in significant pain and disability.

See also

• Thigh
• Hamstring

References

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