Muscles of the Hip and Thigh

The largest muscles of the body are found here, since their function is largely in weight bearing.

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Action
Tensor Fasciae Latae	Anterior part of the iliac crest Anterior superior iliac spine	Iliotibial tract	Flexes, abducts, and medially rotates the thigh

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Action
Gluteus Maximus	Anterior inferior iliac spine	Greater Trochanter	Extension, abduction and external rotation of thigh

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Action
Gluteus Medius	External surface of the ilium between the posterior and anterior gluteal lines	Greater trochanter of the femur	Abducts the femur Medially rotates the thigh

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Action
Gluteus Minimus	External surface of the ilium between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines	Greater trochanter of the femur	Abducts the femur Medially rotates the thigh

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Action
Gracilis	Pubic symphysis and the inferior pubic ramus	Medial surface of the tibia (via pes anserinus)	Adducts the thigh Flexes and medially rotates the thigh Flexes the leg

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Action
Adductor Magnus	Ischiopubic ramus and ischial tuberosity	Linea aspera of the femur Ischiocondylar part inserts on the adductor tubercle of the femur	Adducts, flexes, and medially rotates the femur Extends the femur

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Action
Piriformis	Anterior surface of sacrum	Upper border of greater trochanter of femur	Laterally rotates and abducts thigh

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Action
Psoas Major	Bodies and transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae	Lesser trochanter of femur (with iliacus) via iliopsoas tendon	Flexes the thigh Flexes & laterally bends the lumbar vertebral column

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Action
Sartorius	Anterior superior iliac spine	Medial surface of the tibia (pes anserinus)	Flexes, abducts and laterally rotates the thigh Flexes leg

The Quadriceps are a group of four muscles, namely the rectus femoris; and the three vasti muscles; lateralis, medialis and intermedius.

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Action
Rectus Femoris	Anterior inferior iliac spine	Patella	Flexes Hip Extends knee

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Action
Vastus Intermedius	Anterior and lateral surface of the femur	Patella	Extends knee

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Action
Vastus Lateralis	Lateral intermuscular septum, lateral lip of the linea aspera and the gluteal tuberosity	Patella and medial patellar retinaculum	Extends knee

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Action
Vastus Medialis	Medial intermuscular septum, medial lip of the linea aspera	Patella and medial patellar retinaculum	Extends knee

The hamstrings lie on the posterior aspect of the thigh, and consist of three muscles.

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Action
Biceps Femoris	Long head: ischial tuberosity Short head: lateral lip of the linea aspera	Head of fibula and lateral condyle of the tibia	Extends the thigh Flexes the leg

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Action
Semimembranosus	Upper, outer surface of the ischial tuberosity	Medial condyle of the tibia	Extends the thigh Flexes the leg

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Action
Semitendinosus	Lower, medial surface of ischial tuberosity (common tendon with biceps femoris m.)	Medial surface of tibia (via pes anserinus)	Extends the thigh Flexes the leg