Anterior Compartment of Thigh

Rectus Femoris Action and Attachment

Action: flex thigh, extend leg (squat/ leg extension)

Attachment: Ilium, tibia via patellar tendon

Name Muscles of the anterior compartment of the thigh

Rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, sartorius

Vastus Lateralis Action and Attachment

Action: Extend the leg

Attachment: Femur, tibia via patellar tendon

Vastus Medialis Action and Attachment

Action: extend the leg

Attachment: femur, tibia via patellar tendon

Vastus Intermedius Action and Attachment

Action: extend the leg

Attachment: deep to rectus femoris, femur, tibia via patellar tendon

Sartorius Action and Attachment

Action: Flexes, abducts, laterally rotates thigh; flexes leg

Attachment: ilium, medial tibia

Name the Posterior Compartment of the Thigh Muscles

Biceps femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus

Hamstring Muscle Group Action and Attachment

Action: Extension of the thigh, flexion of the leg/knee (leg curls)

Attachment: Ischial Tuberosity, Tibia (Both Semi), Fibula (Biceps Femoris)

Name Medial Compartment of the Thigh Muscles

Gracilis, Adductor magnus, Adductor longus (3 others you don’t need to know)

Gracilis Action and Attachment

Action: Adduct thigh; flex and medially rotate leg

Attachment: pubis, medial tibia; long, thin strap like muscle

Adductor Magnus and Adductor Longus Action and Attachment

Action: adducts and medially rotates thigh

Attachment: pubis and femur