Muscle Chart Lower Extremity

Muscle Chart Lower Extremity is under construction, the goal is to include muscles that control the ankle and foot: last updated 1/21/18

Note: We have had multiple requests to complete the muscle charts. It is so rewarding to hear from so many. We will focus our energy on completing this project in the first quarter of next year. Thank you for your patients.

Gray's Anatomy image Anterior Thigh: Iliacus is highlighted in red, Psoas Major is highlighted in orange, Psoas minor is highlighted in pink, Pectineus is highligted in baby blue, Tensor Fascia Latae is highlighted in lavender, Adductor Brevis is not seen in the image, Adductor Longus is highlighted in a lighter shade of orange, Adductor Magnus is highlighted in purple, Rectus Femoris is highlighted in yellow, and Sartorius is highlighted in lime green.

The muscle chart lower extremity is intentionally organized into groups of action that act upon a joint. Click the name of the muscle and an image of the muscle will open in a new window. Study the information and use the unlabeled image from the University of Michigan like a flash card to reinforce your learning. Muscle fibers or cells are contractile and when voluntary or striated skeletal muscle is stimulated by the conscious desire to move around within our environment a contraction will takes place. A signal is sent from our central nervous system to the muscle fiber and muscle groups responsible for moving the joint. Actual locomotion of the body takes place at a joint. A kinetic chain or series of movements via specific joints is necessary to produce full body movements. Take advantage of Get Body Smart by Ken Hub links for continued study especially to muscle group quizzes.

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Flexors of the Femur at the Hip Joint
Antagonists are the Extensors of the Femur at the Hip Joint

Muscle Chart Lower Extremity
Click on the Name of the Muscle to see Muscle Image. Click on the action to see a detailed discussion & group in motion

Muscle, Action, & Nerve

Origin

Insertion

Prime mover of Hip flexion is Iliopsoas which is made up of the Psoas Major and Iliacus

Action is flexion of femur at the hip joint and if thigh is flexed, flexion of the trunk at the hip joint.

Iliacus nerve to muscle and its spinal segment is femoral nerve roots (L2-L3).

Psoas nerve to muscle and its spinal segment is branches (ventral rami) of the lumbar plexes roots (L1-L3).

Psoas O. on the lumbar vertebrae T12 – L5

Iliacus O. on the inner surface of the ilium (iliac fossa)

Psoas I. on lessor trochanter of the femur

Iliacus I. on lessor trochanter of the femur

Pectinius

Action flexion of the femur at the hip & assists adduction of the femur at the hip.

Nerve to muscle and its spinal segment is Femoral nerver roots (L2-L4).

O. on the anterior pubis

I. between lesser trochanter & linea aspera of posterior femur

Tensor Fasciae Latae

Action prevents collapse of extended knee in walking. Assists in flexion (synergist), abduction & medial rotation of the femur at the hip. Assists in extension of the knee.

Nerve to muscle and its spinal segment is Superior gluteal nerve roots(L4,L5,S1).

O. Iliac crest (posterior to anterior iliac spine)

I. Iliotibial track (which continues to attach to the lateral condyle of the tibia)

Note: Iliotibial track is also known as the IT Band

Adductor Brevis

Action Adduction of the femur & assists in flexion of the femur at the hip (synergist).

Nerve to muscle and spinal segment is Obturator nerve roots (Ls-L4).

O. Anterior pubis

I. Linea aspera of the posterior femur

Adductor Longus

Action adduction of the femur at the hip & assists in flexion of the femur at the hip (synergist).

Nerve to muscle and spinal segment is Obturator nerve roots (L3-L4).

O. Anterior pubis

I. Linea aspera of the posterior femur

Adductor Magnus

Action adduction of the femur at the hip, assists flexion of the femur at the hip (synergist) & medial or internal rotation of the femur at the hip (anterior head).

Nerve to muscle and spinal segment anterior head Obturator nerve (L2-L4). Nerve to muscle and spinal segment posterior head Sciatic nerve roots (L4-L5 & S1-S3).

O. Anterior (adductor) head: Inferior ramus of pubis

Posterior (adductor) head: Ischial tuberosity & ramus of ischium

I. Anterior head: Linea aspera of femur Posterior head: Adductor tubercle of femur

Rectus Femoris

Action extension of the knee & assists flexion of the femur at the hip (synergist).

Nerve to muscle and spinal segment is Femoral nerve roots (L2-L4).

O. Anterior inferior iliac spine Ilium at upper rim of acetabulum

I. Patella & tibial tuberosity via patellar ligament

Sartorius

Action flexion (synergist), abduction & lateral rotation of femur at hip. Assists flexion, medial or internal rotation of knee (tailor position).

Nerve to muscle and spinal segment is Femoral nerve roots (L2-L3).

O. Anterior superior iliac spine

I. Upper medial shaft of the tibia

Get Massage Smart makes every effort to insure the accuracy of the educational information provided within the muscle chart lower extremity. Get Massage Smart does not validate the accuracy of this material and recommends that the original text be consulted.

To Test Your Knowledge of the Hip Flexors go to Get Body Smart Ilacus, Psoas, Pectineus, Tensor Fasciae Latea, Adductor Brevis, Adductor Longus, Adductor Magnus, Rectus Femoris, and Sartorius Tutorials. ( Get Body Smart as of 2018 is operated by Ken Hub, Still an Awesome Resource, with great new look!)

Go straight to quiz for muscles that act on the anterior thigh (from the hip) Get Body Smart click on the green start quiz button.

It can be helpful to read through each muscle in this muscle chart lower extremity, 2 to 3 times before moving on to Get Body Smart.
Scroll down to the second image to see the origin and insertion, you can click on the last number to see a single muscle with red origin and blue insertion or use the arrows provided.
As you scroll down the page you will now see a large version of the action man example, click play and enjoy.
Nerve to Muscle and Spinal Segment is Listed below the Action Man, just before the self-test; review at getmassagesmart.com and as you scroll down see if you know it. It is important as massage therapists to know your nerves, although they do not play a large role in your licensing exam, you may be asked one or two.
You can quiz yourself on the names of muscles from the main individual muscle information page at the bottom.
At the Bottom of the page you will see the footer, on the left side is Subject areas, the last listing is system quizzes; once on the system quizzes page click on muscular system. To test your knowledge of the Hip Flexors click on the tab that says muscles that act on the anterior thigh (from the hip). Go straight to quiz for muscles that act on the anterior thigh (from the hip) Get Body Smart click on the green start quiz button.

Return to Video Series Lower Extremity

Gray's Anatomy Image Posterior Thigh: Gluteus Maximus is highlighted in lime green, Biceps Femoris long head is highlighted in orange, Biceps Femoris short head is highlighted in yellow, Semitendinosus is highlighted in pink, Semimembranosus is highlighted in baby blue, and Adductor Magnus is highlighted in purple.

Extensors of the Femur at the Hip
Antagonists are the Flexors of the Femur at the Hip

Muscle Chart Lower Extremity
Click on the Name of the Muscle to see Muscle Image. Click on the action to see a detailed discussion & group in motion

Muscle, Action, & Nerve

Origin

Insertion

Gluteus Maximus

Prime mover of Running, going up stairs, rising from a sitting position, and climbing rather than walking.

Action Extension of the femur at the hip, extension of the trunk & Lateral or external rotation of the extended hip.

Nerve to muscle and spinal segment is the Inferior gluteal nerve roots L5, S1, and S2.

O. Posterior sacrum Ilium (vialigamentous sheath) Superior gluteal line of ilium

I. Gluteal tuberosity of femur Iliotibial tract (which continues to attaché to the lateral condyle of the tibia)

Biceps Femoris (Long Head)

Prime mover of extension of the femur at the hip as in walking.

Action extension of femur at hip & flexion of the knee (both heads) & lateral or external rotation of knee (both heads).

Nerve to muscle and spinal segment is long head Sciatic nerve Tibial division S1-S3.

Nerve to muscle and spinal segment is short head Sciatic nerve Peroneal division L5, S1-S2.

O. Long Head: Ischial tuberosity

Short Head: Linea aspera

I. Head of the fibula lateral aspect

Semitendinous

Prime Mover of extension of the femur at the hip as in walking.

Action Extension of femur at hip, Flexion of knee & Medial or internal rotation of flexed knee.

Nerve to muscle and spinal segment is Sciatic nerve Tibial division L5, S1-S2.

O. Ischial tuberosity

I. Anterior proximal tibial shaft

Semimembranosus

Prime Mover of extension of the femur at the hip as in walking.

Action Extension of the femur at the hip, Flexion of the knee & Medial or internal rotation of the flexed knee.

Nerve to muscle and spinal segment is Sciatic nerve Tibial division L5, S1-S2.

O. Ischial tuberosity

I. Posterior medial tibial condyle

Adductor Magnus

(Posterior Head)

Action assists extension of the femur at the hip (synergist) & medial rotation or internal of the hip (synergist). Action adduction of the femur at the hip.

Nerve to muscle Anterior is Obturator nerve roots L2-L4. Nerve to muscle Posterior is Sciatic nerve roots L4-L5, S1-S3.

O. Anterior head: Inferior ramus of Pubis

Posterior head: Ischial tuberosity and ramus of ischium.

I. Anterior head:Linea aspera of femur

Posterior head: Adductor tubercle of femur

To Test Your Knowledge of the Hip Extensors go to Get Body Smart Gluteus Maximus , Biceps Femoris long head, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus, and Adductor Magnus Tutorials.

Go straight to quiz for muscles that act on the posterior thigh (from the hip) at Get Body Smart click on the green start quiz button.

It can be helpful to read through each muscle in this muscle chart lower extremity, 2 to 3 times before moving on to Get Body Smart.

Scroll down to the second image to see the origin and insertion, you can click on the last number to see a single muscle with red origin and blue insertion or use the arrows provided.

As you scroll down the page you will now see a large version of the action man example, click play and enjoy.

Nerve to Muscle and Spinal Segment is Listed below the Action Man, just before the self-test; review at getmassagesmart.com and as you scroll down see if you know it. It is important as massage therapists to know your nerves, although they do not play a large role in your licensing exam, you may be asked one or two.

You can quiz yourself on the names of muscles from the main individual muscle information page at the bottom, as the muscle image is not labeled until you click on the numbers.

At the Bottom of the page you will see the footer, on the left side is Subject areas, the last listing is system quizzes; once on the system quizzes page click on muscular system. To test your knowledge of the Hip Extensors click on the muscles that act on the posterior thigh (from the hip). Go straight to quiz for muscles that act on the posterior thigh (from the hip) at Get Body Smart click on the green start quiz button.

Return to Video Series Lower Extremity

Gray's Anatomy image Posterior Thigh: Gluteus Medius is highlighted in green and Gluteus Minimus is highlighted in organge.

Gray's Anatomy Image Anterior Thigh: Tensor Fasciae Latae is highlighted in orange and Sartorius is highlighted in green.

Abductors of the femur of the hip

Antagonists are adductors of the femur of the hip

Muscle Chart Lower Extremity
Click on the Name of the Muscle to see Muscle Image. Click on the action to see a detailed discussion & group in motion

Muscle, Action, & Nerve

Origin

Insertion

Gluteus Medius

Prime Mover of abduction of the femur at the hip.

Action abduction of the femur at the hip & (Anterior Fibers) Medial rotation of the femur at the hip.

Nerve to muscle and spinal segment is Superior gluteal nerve roots L4-L5 & S1.

O. Iliac Crest Ilium between superior & medial gluteal lines

I. Greater trochanter of femur

Gluteus Minimus

Prime mover of abduction of the femur of the hip.

Action abduction of the femur at the hip & assists with medial or internal rotation of the femur at the hip.

Nerve to muscle and spinal segment is Superior gluteal nerve roots L4-L5 & S1.

O. Posterior Ilium between the middle and inferior gluteal lines

I. Anterior surface of the greater trochanter of the femur

Tensor Fasciae Latae

Action assists in abduction of the femur at the hip, flexion of the femur at the hip and extension of the knee.

Prevents the collapse of an extended Knee when walking.

Nerve to muscle and spinal segment is Superior gluteal nerve roots L4-L5 & S1.

O. Iliac crest just posterior to anterior superior iliac spine

I. Iliotibial tract to the lateral condyle of the tiba

Sartorius

Action assists abduction, flexion, and lateral rotation of the femur. Assists flexion and medial o rotation of the knee (refered to as the tailor position).

Sartorius is the longest muscle in the body ,as well as the must superficial thigh muscle.

Nerve to muscle and spinal segment is femoral nerve roots L2-L4.

O. Anterior superior iliac spine

I. Upper medial shaft of the tibia

To Test Your Knowledge of the Hip Abductors go to Get Body Smart Tutorials.

It can be helpful to read through each muscle in this muscle chart lower extremity, 2 to 3 times before moving on to Get Body Smart.

At getbodysmart.com Review the information on the muscles then take the muscle quiz provided.

Make sure you click on the blue high lighted action to see the body animation perform that action, slide the tab under the animation to have it repeat the action and slide the tab next to the muscles to remove and add muscles to your view.

Also if you click on the blue high lighted origin or insertion, you will see a single muscle with red origin and blue insertion.

You can quiz yourself from the main muscle information page or you can click on the system quizzes on the right side of the page.

The first quizzes to open will be on the skeletal system, click next from the top of the page to see the muscle quiz selection. To test your knowledge of the Hip Abductors click on the tab that says muscles that act on the posterior thigh (from the hip). Go straight to quiz for muscles that act on the posterior thigh (from the hip) at Get Body Smart.

Return to Video Series Lower Extremity

Gray's Anatomy Image: Adductor Magnus is highlighted in light green, Adductor Brevis is highlighted in orange, Adductor Longus is highlighted in red, Pectineus is cut away only showing its origin on the anterior pubis and Gracilis is not seen in the image.

Adductors of the femur of the hip

Antagonists are abductors of the femur of the hip

Muscle Chart Lower Extremity
Click on the Name of the Muscle to see Muscle Image. Click on the action to see a detailed discussion & group in motion

Muscle, Action, & Nerve

Origin

Insertion

Adductor Magnus

Primer Mover of Adduction of the femur at the hip.

Action Adduction of the Hip Joint: anterior head assists flexion and medial rotation of the femur at the hip. Posterior head: assists extension and lateral rotation of the femur at the hip.

Adductor Magnus is the largest & deepest of the adductors of the femur. Depending on the starting position of flexion or extension this muscle can assist in both medial and lateral rotation of the hip.

Nerve to muscle and spinal segment 0f Anterior portion of muscle is Obturator nerve segments L20L4. Nerve to muscle and spinal segment of Posterior portion is Sciatic nerve roots L4-L5 & S1-S3.

O. Anterior Head: Inferior ramus of pubis

Posterior Head: Ischial tuberosity & ramus of ischium

I. Anterior Head: Linea aspera of femur

Posterior Head: Adduct or tubercle of femur

Adductor Brevis

Prime Mover of adduction of the femur at the hip.

Action assists flexion of the femur at the hip.

Nerve to muscle and spinal segments Obturator nerve roots L3-L4.

O. Anterior Pubis

I. Linea Aspera on posterior Femur

Adductor Longus

Prime Mover of adduction of the femur at the hip.

Action assists flexion of the femur at the hip.

Nerve to muscle and spinal segment Obturator nerve roots L3-L4.

O. Anterior Pubis

I. Linea Aspera on Posterior Femur

Gracilis

Weak Prime Mover of adduction of the femur at the hip.

Action assist flexion & medial or internal rotation of flexed knee.

Nerve to muscle and spinal segment Obturator Nerve roots L2-L4.

O. Inferior ramus of anterior pubis

I. Medical proximal tibia

Pectineus

Action flexion of femur at the hip. Assists as a synergist of adduction of the femur at the hip.

Nerve to muscle and its spinal segment is Femoral nerver roots (L2-L4).

O. Anterior Pubis

I. Between lesser trochanter and linea aspera of posterior femur

To Test Your Knowledge of the Hip Adductors go to Get Body Smart Tutorials.

It can be helpful to read through each muscle in this muscle chart lower extremity, 2 to 3 times before moving on to Get Body Smart.
At getbodysmart.com Review the information on the muscles then take the muscle quiz provided.
Make sure you click on the blue high lighted action to see the body animation perform that action, slide the tab under the animation to have it repeat the action and slide the tab next to the muscles to remove and add muscles to your view.
Also if you click on the blue high lighted origin or insertion, you will see a single muscle with red origin and blue insertion.
You can quiz yourself from the main muscle information page or you can click on the system quizzes on the right side of the page.
The first quizzes to open will be on the skeletal system, click next from the top of the page to see the muscle quiz selection. To test your knowledge of the Hip Adductors click on the tab that says muscles that act on the anterior thigh (from the hip). Go straight to quiz for muscles that act on the anterior thigh (from the hip) at Get Body Smart.

Return to Video Series Lower Extremity

Gray's Anatomy Image Plate:(Please) Piriformis is highlighted in orange, (G) Gemellus Superior is highlighted in red,(O) Obturator Internus is highlighted in light green,(G) Gemellus Inferior is highlighted in green,(O) Obturator Externus is not seen in the image,(Quick) Quadratus Femoris is highlighted in red

Lateral (External) Rotators of the femur of the hip

Antagonists are Medial (Internal) Rotators of the femur of the hip

Muscle Chart Lower Extremity
Click on the Name of the Muscle to see Muscle Image. Click on the action to see a detailed discussion & group in motion

Muscle, Action, & Nerve

Origin

Insertion

Piriformis

Prime mover of Lateral or External Rotation of the femur at hip

Use the Phrase Please G O G O Quick to remember the order of these muscles form superior to inferior.

Nerve to muscle and spinal segment branches from the sacral plexus roots L4-L5 and S1-S2.

O. Anterior Sacrum Ishium Obturator Foramen