Back of thigh muscles

Abductor group

This group of muscles (gluteus minimus and medius and tensor fasciae latae) is located on the side of the buttocks. They raise the legs sideways at the hip (hip abduction).

Gluteus maximus

This muscle is located on the buttocks. It pulls the leg back at the hip (hip extension). It is important for jumping, sprinting and pushing actions.

Hamstrings

This group of three muscles (biceps femoris, semimembranosus and semitendinosus) is located on the back of the thigh. They bend the leg at the knee (knee flexion) and help to pull the leg backwards at the hip (hip extension).

• Biceps femoris: this is the most lateral (to the outside) of the group.
• Semimembranosus: this muscle is deep (underneath) to semitendinosus.
• Semitendinosus: this muscle lies medially (to the inside) to the biceps femoris.