Hamstrings

A group of muscles located at the back of the thigh essential for movement and stability.

The hamstrings are a group of three muscles located at the posterior compartment of the thigh. These muscles include the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. They originate from the ischial tuberosity of the pelvis and insert primarily on the tibia and fibula in the lower leg. The primary function of these muscles is to facilitate the bending of the knee and extension of the hip joint.

Terminologia Anatomica

musculi ischiocrurales

System

Muscular system

Function

The hamstrings play a crucial role in various movements of the body. Their main function is to flex the knee, allowing for movements such as running, walking, and jumping. Additionally, they are pivotal in extending the hip joint, which is necessary for activities that involve moving the leg backward, such as sprinting and maintaining balance. These muscles also provide stability to the pelvis and the knee joint, helping to prevent injuries during athletic activities. Strong, flexible hamstrings contribute to overall athletic performance and can help mitigate the risk of strains and tears. Consequently, they are an essential group of muscles not only for physical activities but also for maintaining posture and executing complex movements.

Location

The hamstrings are situated at the back of the thigh, stretching from the pelvis to just above the knee. They are positioned parallel to each other and are located deep to the skin and fat layers, lying between the gluteal muscles above and the calf muscles below. Specifically, the biceps femoris muscle runs on the lateral side, while the semitendinosus and semimembranosus are located medially. This anatomical positioning makes them easily accessible for palpation during physical examination and are visible in individuals with low body fat percentage or developed musculature.

Did You Know?

The term 'hamstring' originally referred to the tendons at the back of the knee, which were historically used in butchery.
Hamstring injuries are among the most common in sports, often resulting from sudden acceleration or deceleration.
The hamstrings consist of two muscle heads (long head and short head) for the biceps femoris, making them unique among the hamstring muscles.