Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Action |
Tensor Fasciae Latae | Iliac Crest | Iliotibial tract (lateral condyle of tibia | assists in abduction, medial rotation and flexion of femur at hip and knee extension |
Sartorius | Anterior superior iliac spine | upper medial shaft of tibia | assists flexion, abduction, and lateral rotation of femur at hip and assists in flexion and medial rotation of knee |
Rectus Femoris | Anterior inferior iliac spine and illium at upper rim of acetabulum | Patella (and tibal tuberosity via patella ligament) | Extension of knee and assists flexion of femur at hip |
Vastus Medialis | linea aspera on posterior femur | Patella (tibial tuberosity via patellar ligament) | Extension of knee |
Vastus Lateralis | linea aspera on posterior femur and greater trochanter of femur | Patella (tibial tuberosity via patellar ligament) | Extension of knee |
Vastus Intermedius | anterior and lateral femoral shaft | Patella (tibial tuberosity via patellar ligament) | Extension of knee |
Gracilis | Inferior ramus of anterior pubis | medial proximal tibia | adduction of femur at hip and assists in knee flexion and medial rotation of flexed knee |
Biceps Femoris | Long head: ischial tuberosity Short Head: linea aspera | Head of fibula (lateral) | Long head: extension of hip Both Heads: flexion of knee and lateral rotation of flexed knee |
Semitendinosus | Ischial tuberosity | anterior proximal tibial shaft | extension of hip, flexion of knee and medial rotation of flexed knee |
Semimembranousus | Ischial tuberosity | posterior medial tibal condyle | extension of hip, flexion of knee and medial rotation of flexed knee |
Gastrocnemius | Medial Head: medial epicondyle of femur Lateral Head: lateral epicondyle of femur | calcaneus via tendo achilles | plantarflexion of ankle or assists knee flexion |
Popliteus | Lateral condyle of femur | Posterior proximal tibial shaft | initiates knee flexion by medial rotation of the tibia to unlock the extended knee |