The muscles located behind the thigh are collectively known as the hamstrings.
Based on the provided reference, the hamstrings constitute a significant muscle group found at the back of the thigh. They originate at the hip and extend downwards, attaching just below the knee joint.
The Hamstring Muscles
The hamstrings are not a single muscle but rather a group composed of three distinct muscles working together.
According to the reference, this group includes the following muscles:
- Semitendinosus: Often the most superficial of the medial (inner) hamstring muscles.
- Semimembranosus: Located deeper and more medially than the semitendinosus.
- Biceps Femoris: The lateral (outer) hamstring muscle, which has two heads (long and short).
Here's a simple breakdown:
| Muscle Name | Location (Relative to each other) |
|---|---|
| Semitendinosus | Medial (Inner) |
| Semimembranosus | Deep, Medial (Inner) |
| Biceps Femoris | Lateral (Outer) |
These muscles are primarily responsible for bending the knee (knee flexion) and extending the hip (hip extension).
