Leg Actions

rectus femoris

extends leg and flexes thigh at hip, part of the quadriceps group

vastus lateralis

Extends leg at the knee; part of the quadriceps group

vastus medialis

Extends leg at the knee; part of the quadriceps group

gluteus maximus

extends thigh at hip joint and laterally rotates thigh

gluteus medius

abducts and medially rotates thigh; steadies pelvis during walking

tensor fasciae latae

Abducts, flexes, and rotates the thigh medially

Pectineus

flexion of hip, adduction of hip, external rotation of hip

adductor longus

adducts, flexes, and rotates thigh laterally

Gracilis

adducts thigh, flexes and medially rotates leg

biceps femoris

extends thigh, flexes leg, laterally rotates leg (one of the hamstring muscles)

Semitendinosus

Flexes leg at the knee and extends thigh at the hip, medially rotates leg; belongs to the hamstring group

Semimembranosus

Flexes leg at the knee and extends thigh at the hip; belongs to the hamstring group

adductor magnus

Adduction at hip; superior part produces flexion and medial rotation; inferior part produces extension and lateral rotation

Gastrocnemius

plantar flexes foot and flexes knee

tibialis anterior

dorsiflexion and inversion of foot

Soleus

plantar flexes foot

Sartorius

Flexes, abducts, and laterally rotates thigh at the hip; flexes knee