Semimembranosus

The Semimembranosus (/ˌsɛmiˌmɛmbrəˈnoʊsəs/) is one of the three hamstring muscles that are located at the back of the thigh. The other two are the semitendinosus and biceps femoris. The semimembranosus is the most medial of the three.

Etymology

The term "semimembranosus" is derived from the Latin words "semi," meaning half, and "membrana," meaning membrane. This is due to the muscle's flat, membranous tendon of origin.

Anatomy

The semimembranosus originates from the ischial tuberosity, the sit bone, and inserts on the medial condyle of the tibia, the shin bone. It is innervated by the tibial nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve.

Function

The semimembranosus muscle has two main functions. It helps to extend the hip joint and flex the knee joint. It also helps in the medial rotation of the knee.

Related Terms

Hamstring: A group of three muscles located at the back of the thigh.
Semitendinosus: One of the three hamstring muscles.
Biceps Femoris: One of the three hamstring muscles.
Ischial Tuberosity: The sit bone from which the semimembranosus originates.
Tibia: The shin bone where the semimembranosus inserts.
Tibial Nerve: The nerve that innervates the semimembranosus.
Sciatic Nerve: The nerve from which the tibial nerve branches off.
Hip Joint: The joint that the semimembranosus helps to extend.
Knee Joint: The joint that the semimembranosus helps to flex.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Semimembranosus
Wikipedia's article - Semimembranosus

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Semimembranosus