I.B.2 Gluteal Region & Thigh: Gluteal Region, Posterior & Medial Thigh

I.B.2 Gluteal Region & Thigh: Gluteal Region, Posterior & Medial Thigh: Page 2 of 3

These muscles abduct the femur at the hip joint and assist in the stabilization of hip during running, walking or standing:

	Step 10: Add the gluteus minimus.
	Step 11: Add the gluteus medius.

These muscles form the posterior compartment of the thigh:

	Step 12: Add the semimembranosus.
	Step 13: Add the semitendinosus.
	Step 14: Add the biceps femoris.

These 3 muscles all act to flex the leg at the knee joint. However the semimembranosus and semitendinosis extend the hip at the tigh and medially rotate the tigh at the hip joint, while medially rotating the leg at the knee joint.

In addition, the biceps femoris group laterally rotates the thigh at the hip joint and laterally rotates the leg at the knee joint.

Step 15: Add the gluteus maximus.

This final muscle completes the gluteal region:

Step 16: Add the tensor fasciae latae and Iliotibial tract.

	Given the location of these last two structures, what is their function?
Helps to maintain an erect posture by stabilizing the knee.