12G. Muscles of the Knee

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary related to the muscles of the knee, including extensions, flexors, nerves, and functions.

Quadriceps Femoris

A group of muscles acting as knee extensors, primarily located at the anterior portion of the thigh.

Knee Flexors

Muscles located primarily on the posterior side of the thigh that serve to flex the knee, such as the hamstrings.

Hamstrings

A group of muscles including the Biceps femoris, Semimembranosus, and Semitendinosus that are the prime knee flexors.

Femoral Nerve

A nerve responsible for innervating the quadriceps and several other muscles in the anterior compartment of the thigh.

Sciatic Nerve

A nerve that innervates the hamstring muscles and branches into the tibial and common peroneal nerves.

Tibial Nerve

A branch of the sciatic nerve that innervates muscles involved in knee flexion and rotation.

Popliteus

A muscle that acts as a synergist for knee flexion and helps to 'unlock' the knee from a fully extended position.

Vastus Medialis

A part of the quadriceps muscle group, known for its role in stabilizing the patella.

Vastus Lateralis

The largest part of the quadriceps that plays a key role in knee extension.

Vastus Intermedius

The deepest quadriceps muscle that is not visible when the rectus femoris is present.

Gastrocnemius

A muscle that acts as a synergist for knee flexion and is innervated by the tibial nerve.

Tibial Rotators

Muscles that perform rotation of the tibia, with popliteus being a primary internal rotator.

Biceps Femoris

A muscle of the hamstrings that is involved in both flexion of the knee and lateral rotation.

Semitendinosus

A muscle of the hamstrings that is involved in knee flexion and medial rotation.

Semimembranosus

A muscle of the hamstrings that also assists in knee flexion and internal rotation.