Internal pelvic muscles. Internal group of pelvic muscles. Psoas minor muscle

Pelvic muscles go from the pelvic girdle to the femur and produce movement in the hip joint around all its 3 axes. Therefore, they are located on all sides and perform all types of movements. Based on their attachment points on the thigh, as well as their functions, they are divided into 2 groups: internal and external. The muscles are supplied with blood by the parietal branches of the internal iliac artery, and are innervated by the branches of the lumbar and sacral plexus.

The pelvic muscles, starting on the bones of the pelvis and spinal column, surround hip joint and are attached to the upper end of the femur. For ease of study, the pelvic muscles are divided into internal and external groups.

Inner group

1. The iliopsoas muscle (m. iliopsoas; see Fig. 70) consists of two separate muscles that connect only at the point of attachment: the psoas major (m. psoas major) and the iliac muscle (m. iliacus). Origin: the psoas major muscle - from the lateral surface of the bodies of the XII thoracic and I - IV lumbar vertebrae, as well as from their transverse processes, the iliacus muscle - from the walls of the iliac fossa; insertion: lesser trochanter of the femur.

Function: flexes the thigh and rotates it outward. When the hip is fixed, it flexes lumbar region spine and pelvis.

2. The psoas minor muscle (m. psoas minor; see Fig. 70) is unstable. Beginning: lateral surfaces of the bodies of the XII thoracic and I lumbar vertebrae; attachment: fascia iliaca, pubic crest.

Function: stretches the fascia iliaca.

3. Piriformis muscle (m. piriformis; Fig. 81). Origin: pelvic surface of the sacrum: insertion: apex of the greater trochanter of the femur, after exiting the pelvic cavity through the greater sciatic foramen.

Function: rotates the thigh outward.

4. Internal obturator muscle (m. obturator internus; see Fig. 81). Start: inner surface pelvic bone in the circumference of the obturator membrane; insertion: trochanteric fossa of the femur, after exiting the pelvis through the lesser sciatic foramen.

Outdoor group

1. The gluteus maximus muscle (m. gluteus maximus; Fig. 82) reaches greatest development in humans due to the vertical position of the body. Origin: gluteal surface of the ilium, dorsal surface of the sacrum and coccyx, thoracolumbar fascia; attachment: gluteal tuberosity of the femur, some of the fibers pass into the iliotibial tract.

Function: extends the hip, when standing, fixes the pelvis, and with it the torso.

2. Gluteus medius muscle (m. gluteus medius; see Fig. 82). Origin: gluteal surface of the ilium, fascia lata of the thigh; insertion: greater trochanter of the femur.

Function: abducts the thigh, the anterior bundles rotate the thigh inward, the posterior bundles rotate the thigh outward. When fixing the hip, the pelvis tilts to the side. Participates in straightening the body bent forward.

3. Gluteus minimus (m. gluteus minimus; see Fig. 82). Origin: ilium, between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines; insertion: anterior edge of the greater trochanter of the femur.

Function: abducts the thigh, straightens the torso.

4. Tensor fasciae latae (m. tensor fasciae latae; Fig. 83). Origin: superior anterior iliac spine; insertion: iliotibial tract.

Function: strains the fascia lata, flexes the hip.

5. Quadratus femoris muscle (m. quadratus femoris; see Fig. 82). Origin: ischial tubercle; insertion: greater trochanter and intertrochanteric crest of the femur.

Function: rotates the thigh outward.

6. Superior gemellus muscle (m. gemellus superior; see Fig. 82). Origin: ischial spine; insertion: trochanteric fossa of the femur.

Function: rotates the thigh outward.

7. Lower gemellus muscle (m. gemellus inferior; see Fig. 82). Origin: ischial tuberosity; insertion: trochanteric fossa of the femur.

Function: rotates the thigh outward.

8. External obturator muscle (m. obturator externus; see Fig. 81). Beginning: the outer surfaces of the pubis and ischium around the obturator membrane; insertion: trochanteric fossa of the femur.

Function: rotates the thigh outward.

The iliopsoas muscle (m.iliopsoas) consists of two muscles - the psoas major and the iliacus, which, starting at various places(on the lumbar vertebrae and ilium), unite into a single muscle that attaches to the lesser trochanter of the femur. Both parts of the muscle are involved in the formation of the posterior wall of the abdominal cavity.

The psoas minor muscle is unstable and absent in 40% of cases. It begins on the intervertebral disc and the adjacent edges of the bodies of the XII thoracic and I lumbar vertebrae. The muscle is located on the anterior surface of the psoas major muscle, fused with the fascia covering it. The thin belly of this muscle passes into a long tendon, which is attached to the arcuate line of the ilium and to the iliopubic eminence. Some of the tendon bundles of this muscle are woven into the iliac fascia and into the iliopectineal arch.

The internal obturator muscle (m.obturatorius internus) begins at the edges of the obturator foramen (with the exception of the obturator groove), on the inner surface of the obturator membrane, on the pelvic surface of the ilium (above obturator foramen) and on the obturator fascia. The obturator internus muscle exits the pelvic cavity through the lesser sciatic foramen, changes direction at an acute angle, spreading over the edge of the lesser sciatic notch (there is ischial bursa of the obturator internus muscle, bursa ischiadica m.obturatorii interni).

The piriformis muscle (m piriformis) begins on the pelvic surface of the crest (II-IV sacral vertebra), lateral to the pelvic sacral foramina, exits the pelvic cavity through the greater sciatic foramen. Behind the femoral neck, the muscle passes into the round tendon, which is attached to the top of the greater trochanter. Under this muscle there is piriformis muscle bursa(bursa synovialis musculi piriformis).

External pelvic muscle group

The external pelvic muscles are located in the gluteal region and on the lateral surface of the pelvis. Having relatively large surfaces of the beginning of the muscles on the bones of the pelvic girdle, the bundles of these muscles follow in the direction of their attachment on the femur. The external pelvic muscles form 3 layers: superficial, middle and deep.

Surface layer consists of the gluteus maximus muscle and the tensor fascia lata. IN middle layer are the gluteus medius and quadratus femoris muscles. This group includes the extrapelvic parts of the piriformis and obturator internus muscles, the superior and inferior gemellus muscles. TO deep layer include the gluteus minimus and obturator externus muscles. All of these muscles act on the hip joint.

The gluteus maximus muscle (m.gluteus mdximus) is strong, has a large-beam structure, and stands out in relief due to its large mass in the gluteal region (regio glutea). This muscle reaches its greatest development in humans in connection with upright walking. Located superficially, it has a wide origin on the ilium (linea glutea posterior), on the initial (tendon) part of the erector spinae muscle, on the dorsal surface of the sacrum and coccyx, on the sacrotuberous ligament.

The gluteus medius muscle (m.gluteus medius) begins on the gluteal surface of the ilium, between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines, on the fascia lata. The muscle goes down, passes into a thick tendon, which is attached to the top and outer surface of the greater trochanter.

The gluteus minimus muscle (m.gluteus minimus) is located under the gluteus medius muscle. It begins on the outer surface of the ilium wing between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines, along the edge of the greater sciatic notch. Attaches to the anterolateral surface of the greater trochanter of the femur; Some of the bundles are woven into the capsule of the hip joint. Between the muscle tendon and the greater trochanter there is a trochanteric bursa of the gluteus minimus muscle (bursa trochanterica musculi glutei minimi).

The tensor fasciae latae begins on the superior anterior iliac spine and the adjacent part of the iliac crest. The muscle is located between the superficial and deep plates of the fascia lata. At the level of the border between the upper and middle thirds of the thigh, the muscle passes into the iliotibial tract of the fascia lata (tractus iliotibialis), which continues down and attaches to the lateral condyle tibia.

The quadratus femoris muscle is flat, quadrangular in shape, located between the inferior gemellus muscle at the top and the upper edge of the adductor magnus muscle at the bottom. It begins on the upper part of the outer edge of the ischial tuberosity and attaches to the upper part of the intertrochanteric crest. Between the anterior surface of the muscle and the greater trochanter there is often a synovial bursa.

The pelvic muscles are divided into internal and external groups.

Internal pelvic muscle group

1. Psoas major muscle, m.psoas major.
2. Psoas minor muscle, m. psoas minor.
3. Iliacus muscle, m. iliacus.
4. Iliopsoas muscle, m. iliopsoas.
5. Obturator internus muscle, m. obturatorius interims.
6. Piriformis muscle, m. piriformis.
7. Coccygeus muscle, m. coccygeus.

External pelvic muscle group

1. Gluteus maximus muscle, m. gluteus maximus.
2. Gluteus medius muscle, m. gluteus medius.
3. Gluteus minimus, m. gluteus minimus.
4. Quadratus femoris muscle, m. quadratus femoris.
5. Superior gemellus muscle, m.gemellus superior.
6. Gemini inferior muscle, m. gemellus inferior.
7. Obturator externus muscle, m. obturatorius extemus.
8. Tensor fascia lata, m. tensor fasciae latae.

Internal pelvic muscle group

1. Psoas major muscle, m. psoas major, long, fusiform, begins with 5 teeth from the lateral surface of the bodies of the XII thoracic, four upper lumbar vertebrae and the corresponding intervertebral cartilages. The deeper muscle bundles originate from the transverse processes of all lumbar vertebrae. Tapering somewhat, the muscle is directed downward and slightly outward and, connecting with the bundles of the iliacus muscle, m. iliacus, forms the common iliopsoas muscle, m. iliopsoas.
2. Psoas minor muscle, m. psoas minor (fickle), thin, spindle-shaped, located on the anterior surface of the m. psoas major. It starts from the lateral surface of the bodies of the XII thoracic and I lumbar vertebrae and, going down, passes with its tendon into the fascia iliaca, attaching with it to the pecten ossis pubis and to the eminentia iliopectinea. Action: stretches the fascia iliaca. Innervation: rr. musculares plexus lumbalis (L1-L2). Blood supply: aa. lumbales.
3. Iliacus muscle m. iliacus, fills the entire iliac fossa, fossa iliaca, originating from its walls. The shape of the muscle approaches a triangle, with its apex facing downwards. The bundles that make up the muscle fan-shaped converge to the linea tenninalis and here merge with the bundles of m. psoas major, forming m. iliopsoas.
4. Iliopsoas muscle, m. iliopsoas, is formed as a result of the connection of the distal muscle bundles of m. iliacus and m. psoas major. The muscle from the pelvic cavity exits through the lacuna musculorum and, moving downwards, passes along the anterior surface of the hip joint, attaching with a thin short tendon to the trochanter minor femoris; between the joint capsule and the muscle tendon there is an iliopectineal bursa, bursa ileopectinea, which often communicates with the cavity of the hip joint. Action: flexes the thigh at the hip joint, rotating it outward. When the hip is fixed, it tilts (bends) the torso forward. Innervation: rr. musculares plexus lumbalis (L1-L2). Blood supply: aa. iliolumbalis, circumflexa ilium profunda.
5. Obturator internus muscle, m. obturatorius internus, is a flattened muscle in which the muscle bundles are directed slightly fan-shaped. With its wide part, the muscle originates from the inner surface of the pelvic bone in the circumference of the membrana obturatoria and from its inner surface. A small gap between the muscle bundles and the sulcus obturatorius of the pubic bone turns into the obturator canal, canalis obturatorius. through which blood vessels and nerves pass. Then the muscle bundles, converging, are directed outward and, bending almost at a right angle through the lesser sciatic notch, leave the pelvic cavity through the foramen ischiadicum minus, attaching with a short, powerful tendon in the fossa trochanterica area. At the point of inflection over the edge of the lesser sciatic notch there is an ischial bursa of the obturator internus muscle, bursa ischiadica m. obluratorii interni. Topographically, the obturator internus muscle is divided into two parts: the larger one, before exiting the pelvic cavity, the intrapelvic muscle, and the smaller, tendon muscle, which lies under the gluteus maximus muscle, the extrapelvic muscle. Action: supinates the thigh. Innervation: rr. musculares plexus sacralis.Blood supply: aa.glutea inferior, obturatoria, pudenda intema.
6. Piriformis muscle, m. piriformis, has the appearance of a flat isosceles triangle, the base of which originates from the anterior surface of the sacrum, lateral to the openings between II and IV foramina sacralia pelvina. Converging, the muscle bundles are directed outward, exit the pelvic cavity through the greater sciatic foramen, foramen ischiadicum majus, and, passing into a narrow and short tendon, are attached to the top of the trochanter major. At the site of muscle attachment there is a mucous bursa of the piriformis muscle, bursa musculi piriformis. Passing through the greater sciatic foramen, the muscle does not completely fill it, leaving small gaps along the upper and lower edges through which blood vessels and nerves pass. The gap located along the upper edge of the piriformis muscle is called the suppiriformis foramen, and along the lower edge - the infrapiriformis foramen. Action: supinates the thigh and also participates in its abduction. Innervation: rr. musculares plexus sacralis.Blood supply: aa. gluteae, superior et inferior.
7. The coccygeal muscle, m.coccygeus, is a thin plate containing relatively few muscle bundles. Originating from spina ischiadica, the muscle follows inside lig. sacrospinale and is attached to the outer surface of the 2 lower sacral and 2-3 upper coccygeal vertebrae. Action: in humans this muscle is rudimentary; during contraction, it takes part in strengthening the walls of the pelvis. Innervation: rr. musculares nervi pudendi.Blood supply: rr. musculares a. pudendae intemae.

External pelvic muscle group

1. Gluteus maximus muscle, m. gluteus maximus, approximates a rhombus in shape. The muscle is large-fiber, powerful, flat and reaches a thickness of 2-3 cm. In its course, the muscle overlaps the greater trochanter, as well as the rest of the muscles of this group. It starts from the posterior part of the outer surface of the ilium, posterior to the linea glutea posterior, from the lateral edge of the sacrum and coccyx and from the lig. sacrotu-berale. The muscle bundles stretch obliquely downwards and laterally and are attached with their upper bundles to the fascia lata, which passes into the tractus iliotibialis, and with their lower bundles to the tuberositas glutea femoris; here between the greater trochanter and the muscle there is a trochanteric bursa of the gluteus maximus muscle, bursa trochanterica m.glutei maximi. Action: straightens the torso bent forward, straightens the hip, and also stretches the lata fascia of the thigh. Innervation: n. gluteus inferior (plexus sacralis) (L5 S1-S2). Blood supply: aa. gluteae superior et inferior, circumflexa femoris medialis, profunda femoris (perforans I).
2. Gluteus medius muscle, m. gluteus medius, located under the gluteus maximus muscle. The shape is close to a triangle. The muscle is thick, and there are two layers of bundles: superficial and deep. The muscle bundles are arranged in a fan-shaped manner, starting with a wide part from the outer surface of the ilium wing, limited in front by the linea glutea anterior, above by the crista iliaca and below by the linea glutea posterior. Then all muscle bundles converge into a common powerful tendon, attached to the top of the trochanter major, where there is a trochanteric bursa of the gluteus medius muscle, bursa trochanterica m. glutei medii.Action: abducts the thigh, with the anterior bundles rotating the thigh inward, and the posterior bundles rotating outward; takes part in straightening the body bent forward. Innervation: n. gluteus superior (plexus sacralis) (L1-L5, S1). Blood supply: aa. glutea superior et circumflexa femoris lateralis.
3. Gluteus minimus, m. gluteus minimus, resembles the previous one in shape, but is much thinner in diameter. Throughout its entire length, the muscle is covered by the gluteus medius muscle. The muscle begins from the outer surface of the wing of the ilium, between the linea glutea anterior and linea glutea inferior. Then the muscle bundles, converging, pass into a tendon that attaches to the anterior edge of the trochanter major; here there is the trochanteric bursa of the gluteus minor muscle, bursa trochanterica m. glutei minimi. Action: similar to the action of the gluteus medius muscle: abducts the leg and takes part in straightening the bent torso. Innervation: n. gluteus superior (plexus sacralis) (L1-L5 S1). Blood supply: aa. glutea superior, circumflexa femoris lateralis.
4. Quadratus femoris muscle, m. quadratus femoris, has the appearance of a relatively thick rectangle, covered at the back by m. gluteus maximus. The muscle begins from the lateral surface of the tuber ischiadicum and attaches to the crista intertrochanterica, reaching the trochanter major. Action: rotates the thigh outward. Innervation: n. ischiadicus (plexus sacralis) (L4-L5, S1).Blood supply: aa. glutea inferior, circumflexa femoris medialis, obturatoria.
5. Superior gemellus muscle, m. gemellus superior, has the appearance of a small muscle cord originating from the spina ischiadica and attached to the fossa trochanterica. The muscle is adjacent to the upper edge of the tendon m. obturatorius intemus after its exit from the pelvic cavity. Action: rotates the hip outward. Innervation: branches of the plexus sacralis (L4-L5, S1). Blood supply: aa. glutea inferior, pudenda interna.
6. Gemini inferior muscle, m. gemellus inferior, similar in shape to the previous one and located below the tendon of m. obturatorius intemus. The muscle starts from the tuber ischiadicum, attaches to the fossa trochanterica. Action: rotates the thigh outward. The innervation and blood supply are the same as the superior gemellus muscle.
7. Obturator externus muscle, m. obturatorius externus, has the shape of an irregular triangle. It starts from the membrana obturatoria and the bony edge of the foramen obturatum with its wider part, then the muscle bundles, fan-shaped, pass into the tendon adjacent to the posterior surface of the capsule of the hip joint. The muscle is attached to the fossa trochanterica, next to the internal muscle of the same name. Action: rotates the thigh outward. Innervation: n. obturatorius (plexus lumbalis) [(LJ, 1-3-5)].Blood supply: aa. obturatoria, circumflexa femoris lateralis.
8. Tensor fascia lata, m. tensor fasciae latae, flat, slightly elongated; lies on the anterolateral surface of the pelvis; its distal end is woven into the fascia lata of the thigh. The muscle begins on the labium externum cristae iliacae, closer to the spina iliaca anterior superior. The muscle bundles are directed vertically downwards, passing into the tractus iliotibialis fasciae latae. Action: strains the fascia lata of the thigh, and also takes part in hip flexion. Innervation: n. gluteus superior (plexus sacralis) (L4-L5, S1). Blood supply: aa. glutea superior, circumflexa femoris lateralis.

The muscles of the pelvic girdle are very large and well developed, since they take on the physical and mechanical load from the weight of the entire body. If the muscles of the lower belt are underdeveloped, they are constantly exposed to traumatic factors.

It is believed that sprains of the ligamentous and tendon apparatus in the knee and ankle joint is a direct consequence of insufficient tone of the gluteal and thigh muscles.

If the muscles of the thighs and buttocks are weak, the ability to fully coordinate movements is lost and therefore incorrect foot placement is possible, resulting in a risk of sprained ligaments and tendons.

The main muscles of the buttocks are described in this article, which discusses their structure and functions. Here you can also find information about the thigh muscles, which, together with the lower belt, provide full movement.

Gluteal and pelvic muscles

The pelvic muscles, surrounding the hip joint on all sides and acting on it, originate on the pelvic bones and lumbar vertebrae and are attached in the area of ​​the upper third of the femur mainly to the greater and lesser trochanters.

In the pelvic cavity, according to the anatomy of the muscles of the buttocks, there is an iliac ( m. iliacus ), starting from the iliac fossa; this muscle is joined by the psoas major muscle ( m. psoas major ), which originates from the bodies and transverse processes of the XII thoracic and all lumbar vertebrae.

Together they form the iliopsoas muscle ( m. iliopsoas ), the fibers of which pass under the inguinal ligament to the thigh in front of the transverse axis of the hip joint and are attached to the lesser trochanter.

When this group of muscles of the buttocks contracts, the thigh flexes and rotates slightly outward (supinates); in the case of fixation of the lower extremities (in a standing position), the muscle is involved in tilting the body forward due to flexion at the hip joints.

The psoas minor muscle ( m. psoas minor ), which is adjacent to the psoas major muscle, starting from the XII thoracic and I lumbar vertebrae.

In the gluteal region behind the hip joint are located the muscles that extend, abduct and supinate the hip.

The main extensor of the hip in the hip joint is the gluteus maximus muscle ( m. gluteus maximus ) - a powerful muscle layer lying directly under the skin on the back surface of the pelvis.

It starts from the outer surface of the ilium wing, the lateral parts of the sacrum and coccyx, descends obliquely downwards and laterally and is attached with its posterior part to the gluteal tuberosity of the femur, and with its anterior part to the lata fascia of the thigh, intertwined with a tendon into its iliotibial tract ( tractus iliotibialis ).

In a standing position, due to its structure, the buttock muscle, contracting, performs extension in the hip joint, ensuring that the body is held in an upright position.

It bears the main load when maintaining body balance, since it contributes to a greater extent to the displacement of the projection of the body's central gravity relative to the transverse axis in the hip joints.

During the movement of walking, she extends her hip; also participates in abduction and rotational movements of the hip. Between the muscle tendon and the greater trochanter lies the bursa ( bursa trochanterica m. gluteimaximi ), which makes it easier to abbreviate this strong muscles during movements of the femur.

Tension and rotational movements

The tensor fascia lata works in tandem with the gluteus maximus muscle, which, starting from the superior anterior iliac spine, is also woven into the fascia lata of the thigh. In an upright position, the body seems to balance on the hip joints, swaying back and forth.

In this case, the muscles running posterior to the transverse axis of the hip joint (gluteus maximus and medius) and anterior to it (iliopsoas muscle and tensor fasciae lata) actively work.

Along with this, the gluteus maximus muscle and the tensor fascia lata together play an important role in transmitting the forces developed by the muscles of the pelvic girdle to the tibia - the main support of the body when standing on one leg.

Gluteus medius ( m. gluteus medius ) starts from the outer surface of the ilium wing, has a fan-shaped abdomen and is attached to the greater trochanter of the femur near the apex.

Beneath it lies the gluteus minimus muscle ( m. gluteus minimus ), which is attached to the anterior surface of the greater trochanter. The main function of these muscles is to ensure a horizontal position of the pelvis, and with it a vertical position of the body when supporting on one leg while walking.

When contracted, both of these muscles abduct the thigh and also participate in supination of the thigh (posterior bundles muscle fibers) and its pronation (anterior bundles).

Rotational movements in the hip joint involve the muscles of the pelvic girdle, located behind its vertical axis and producing supination of the hip, and the muscles of the thigh, located anterior to the axis and producing pronation.

Supination of the hip is carried out piriformis muscle (m. piriformis ), obturator internus ( m. obturatorius internus ) with its short bundles called the superior and inferior gemellus muscles, the quadratus femoris muscle ( m. quadratus femoris ) and obturator externus muscle ( m. obturatorius externus ).

From the pelvic cavity to his back surface lead to the greater and lesser sciatic foramina ( foramen ischiadicum majus et foramen ischiadicum minus ).

The piriformis muscle passes through the greater sciatic foramen from the pelvic cavity, above and below which there are important slit-like spaces for the passage of vessels and nerves from the pelvic cavity to the gluteal region: the suprapiriformis foramen ( foramen suprapiriforme ) and infrapiriform foramen ( foramen infrapiriforme ). The obturator canal leads to the medial surface of the thigh from the pelvic cavity ( canalis obturatorius ).

Femoral muscle group

The hip plays an extremely important role when walking. The anatomy of the thigh muscles is such that the position of the entire leg, on which the support occurs during forward movement of the body, directly depends on its movements.

In this section of the lower limb there are three groups of thigh muscles:

• In the medial group of human thigh muscles, adductors predominate; they are antagonists of the posterior group of muscles of the pelvic girdle and adduct the thigh. When working cooperatively with the posterior group of muscles of the pelvic girdle, which occurs when supporting while walking on one leg, they keep the pelvis in a horizontal position, and with it the entire torso in a vertical position;
• The posterior group is dominated by muscles that simultaneously act on the hip and knee joints, performing hip extension and shin flexion;
• In the anterior group, the strong quadriceps femoris muscle, which is the main extensor of the lower leg, is most developed. In addition to it, in the anterior group there are other muscles that act on both the thigh and the lower leg, ensuring their mutual installation when supporting one leg while walking.

Included medial group with a special structure of the thigh muscles that perform its adduction in the hip joint, the pectineus muscle is distinguished ( m. pectineus ), adductor longus ( m. adductor longus ), adductor brevis ( m. adductor brevis ), adductor magnus ( m. adductor magnus ) And gracilis muscle (m. gracilis ). All of them start from the branches of the pubic and ischial bones and are attached to the femur, mainly to the medial lip of the linea aspera.

The most powerful of the adductor muscles is the adductor magnus ( m. adductor magnus ), begins not only from the branches of the pubic and ischial bones, but also from the ischial tuberosity, and is attached to the medial lip of the linea aspera along its entire length, therefore it is located mostly behind the transverse axis of the hip joint.

This position allows the thigh muscle to perform the following functions: in addition to adduction, it participates in extension of the lower limb in the hip joint. A slit-like opening is formed in the lower part of the muscle tendon ( hiatus tendineus ), through which the vessels from the anterior surface of the thigh pass to its posterior surface and end up in the popliteal fossa.

Gracilis muscle ( m. gracilis ) is located the most superficial of the adductor muscles. It starts from the lower branch of the pubic bone and is attached to the tuberosity of the tibia and the fascia of the leg. Throwing itself over two joints, it can participate in both adduction of the thigh at the hip joint and flexion of the tibia at the knee joint.

The posterior group of thigh muscles consists of those muscles that simultaneously participate in the work of the hip and knee joints.

At the hip joint they extend the thigh, and at the knee joint they flex the tibia. They mostly start on the ischial tuberosity. Semitendinosus muscle ( m. semitendinosus ) is distinguished by a long tendon that attaches to the tibial tuberosity and the fascia of the leg.

Semimembranosus muscle ( m. semimembranosus ) lies under the previous one and has a wide tendon in the proximal part; attaches to the medial condyle of the tibia and the capsule of the knee joint.

Long head ( caput longum ) biceps femoris ( m. biceps femoris ) begins together with these two muscles on the ischial tuberosity and, connecting with the short head ( caputbreve ), starting from the middle third of the lateral lip of the linea aspera, is attached to the head of the fibula.

The anterior muscle group of the thigh is predominantly represented by the quadriceps femoris muscle ( m. quadriceps femoris ), which is the main extensor of the tibia at the knee joint.

The longest head of the muscle is located most superficially - this is the rectus femoris muscle ( m. rectus femoris ), which starts from the lower anterior iliac spine of the pelvic bone. By extending over the hip joint, this head allows the quadriceps femoris muscle to participate in hip flexion.

The remaining three heads originate from the femur:

• Lateral head- lateral vastus muscle hips ( m. vastus lateralis ) starts from the intertrochanteric line and the lateral lip of the linea aspera;
• Medial head- vastus medialis ( m. vastus medialis ) - from the medial lip of the linea aspera;
• Intermediate head- vastus intermedius ( m. vastus intermedius ) lies between them and starts from the anterior surface of the femur.

All muscle heads form a common tendon, which is attached to the tibial tuberosity.