Lower Extremity Muscles

Gluteus maximus

Actions of Gluteus maximus

forceful extension of a flexed hip, hip abduction, lateral rotation of hip

Gluteus medius

Actions of Gluteus medius

Stabilizes pelvis as lower limb lifts off ground, hip abduction, medial rotation of hip

Gluteus minimus

Actions of Gluteus minimus

Stabilizes pelvis as lower limb lifts off ground, hip abduction, medial rotation of hip

Tensor fascia lata

Sartorius

Rectus femoris

Actions of Rectus femoris

Knee extension, knee stabilization, hip flexion (minor)

Vastus lateralis

Actions of Vastus lateralis

knee extension, knee stabilization

Vastus medialis

Actions of Vastus medialis

knee extension, knee stabilization

Vastus intermedius

Actions of Vastus intermedius

knee extension

Iliopsoas

Actions of Iliopsoas

hip flexion (prime mover)

Biceps femoris

Actions of Biceps femoris

hip extension, knee flexion, lateral rotation of knee (minor)

Semitendinosus

Actions of Semitendinosus

hip extension, knee flexion, medial rotation of knee (minor)

Semimembranosus

Actions of Semimembranosus

hip extension,knee flexion, medial rotation of knee (minor)

Pectineus

Adductor magnus

Adductor brevis

Adductor longus

Gracilis

Actions of Gracilis

hip adduction, knee flexion

Gastrocnemius

Actions of Gastrocnemius

Plantar flexion when knee is extended, knee flexion when foot is dorsiflexed

Soleus

Actions of Soleus

plantarflexion

Fibularis longus

Actions of Fibularis longus

foot plantarflexion, foot eversion, sling for foot’s arch

Tibialis anterior

Actions of Tibialis anterior

foot dorsiflexion; important during swing phase of walking to prevent stubbing of toe

Extensor digitorum longus