Semitendinosus

Semitendinosus

The Semitendinosus is one of the three hamstring muscles that are located at the back of the thigh. The other two are the semitendinosus and the biceps femoris. The semitendinosus muscle is so named because it has a long tendon of insertion. It originates from the ischial tuberosity and inserts to the pes anserinus (goose foot) on the medial surface of the upper tibia.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The semitendinosus, remarkable for the great length of its tendon of insertion, is situated at the posterior and medial aspect of the thigh. It arises from the lower and medial impression on the upper part of the tuberosity of the ischium, by a tendon common to it and the long head of the biceps femoris; it also arises from an aponeurosis which connects the adjacent surfaces of the two muscles to the extent of about 7.5 cm. from their origin.

Function[edit | edit source]

The semitendinosus muscle performs two main functions: flexion of the knee and extension of the hip joint. It also helps in medially rotating the knee: the tibia medially rotates on the femur when the knee is flexed. It medially rotates the femur when the hip is extended. It counteracts forward bending at the hips.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

The semitendinosus muscle can be used in surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The tendons of the semitendinosus and the gracilis muscle are often used in combination, known as a hamstring graft.

See also[edit | edit source]

Template:Hip anatomy Template:Thigh anatomy

Semitendinosus Resources
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