Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Femoral Muscles

Excerpt

The femoral muscles are closely associated with the femur or the thigh's long bone (see Image. Gluteal and Femoral Muscles). Femoral muscles are divided into 3 compartments. Each compartment is separated from the others by an intermuscular septum running from the fascia lata to the femur's linea aspera.

The anterior compartment houses the hip flexors and knee extensors, including the pectineus, iliopsoas, minor, iliacus, sartorius, and quadriceps. These muscles arise from the hip, spine, and proximal femur.

The medial compartment contains the thigh adductors comprising the adductor magnus, adductor longus, adductor brevis, gracilis, and obturator externus. These muscles originate near the anteroinferior external surface of the bony pelvis and insert at the linea aspera.

The posterior compartment has the "hamstrings"—the prime hip extensors and knee flexors. The hamstrings consist of the semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris. These muscles arise from the ischial tuberosity and the femur and insert on the medial tibia and lateral fibula.

This article focuses on the femoral muscles, associated structures, and clinical conditions that arise from their pathology.