What System Does the Hamstring Belong To?

The hamstring, also known as the biceps femoris, is one of the three posterior thigh muscles. The other two are Semitendinosus and the Semimembranosus. These three muscles make up the entire hamstring.

Derivation

"Ham" refers to the fat and muscles behind the knee. "String" refers to the tendons. Hamstring thus refers to the string-like tendons behind the knee.

Function

The function of the hamstring is very simple, but critical for walking and running. The hamstring allows the thigh to extend and flex.

Insertion

The hamstring is made of three different muscles. The biceps femoris inserts into the head of fibula, lateral condlye of the tibia. The semitendinosus inserts into the proximal medial of the tibia. The semimembranosus inserts into the medial condyle of the tibia.

Origin

The three muscle groups cooperate to perform the ultimate goal, and are located in the same place, in the ischial tuberosity.

Innervation

The hamstring has one major nerve that supplies power, the sciatic nerve. In some cases, the sciatic nerve can cause severe pain if not treated.

References

• Inner Body
• Wikipedia
• ExRx