Quadriceps, Hamstrings & Iliopsoas

Quadriceps

A group of four muscles located in the front of the thigh, responsible for knee extension.

Hamstrings

A group of three muscles located at the back of the thigh, responsible for knee flexion and hip extension.

Iliopsoas

A group of muscles, including the psoas major and iliacus, that are major hip flexors.

Acetabulum

The cup-shaped socket of the hip joint, where the head of the femur fits.

Innominate

Refers to the three bones of the pelvis: ilium, ischium, and pubis.

Popliteal Fossa

The shallow depression located at the back of the knee joint.

Patellar Tendon

A tendon connecting the patella (kneecap) to the tibia, essential for knee extension.

Vastus Medialis Oblique (VMO)

The medial part of the vastus medialis muscle that plays a crucial role in proper patellar tracking.

IT Band

Iliotibial band; a thick band of fascia that runs along the outside of the thigh, from the hip to the tibia.

Sacroiliac Joint (SI Joint)

The joint formed between the sacrum and the ilium of the pelvis.

Ischial Tuberosity

The bony prominence on the lower part of the ischium, often referred to as the sit bone.

Gluteal Muscles

Muscles located in the buttocks, primarily responsible for hip movement.

Acetabular Labrum

A fibrocartilaginous structure that surrounds the acetabulum, contributing to joint stability.

Vastus Lateralis

One of the quadriceps muscles located on the outer thigh, involved in knee extension.

Semitendinosus

One of the hamstring muscles located on the medial side of the thigh, involved in knee flexion.

Biceps Femoris

A muscle of the hamstring group located on the lateral side of the thigh, responsible for knee flexion and hip extension.

Psoas Major

A major hip flexor muscle that originates from the lumbar vertebrae and inserts at the lesser trochanter.

PSIS (Posterior Superior Iliac Spine)

The bony prominence on the posterior aspect of the ilium, used as an anatomical landmark.

Patellar Ligament

The ligament that connects the patella to the tibial tuberosity, important for knee stability.

Obturator Foramen

A large opening in the pelvis formed by the ischium and pubis bones; allows passage for nerves and blood vessels.

Semimembranosus

A muscle of the hamstring group located medially, important for knee flexion and hip extension.

Greater Sciatic Notch

An indentation on the ilium that allows for the passage of the sciatic nerve.

Sacrotuberous Ligament

A ligament extending from the sacrum to the ischial tuberosity, contributing to pelvic stability.

Anterior Gluteal Line

A line on the ilium that serves as an attachment point for certain gluteal muscles.