The muscles of the thigh are divided into three main groups: the anterior muscles, the medial muscles, and the posterior muscles.
1. Anterior muscles: - Quadriceps femoris: This group of four muscles includes the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius. They are responsible for extending the knee and flexing the hip. - Sartorius: This long, thin muscle runs diagonally across the thigh and helps with flexing the hip and knee.
2. Medial muscles: - Adductor muscles: These muscles include the adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus, pectineus, and gracilis. They are responsible for adducting the thigh (bringing it towards the midline of the body) and also help with flexing and rotating the hip.
3. Posterior muscles: - Hamstrings: This group of three muscles includes the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. They are responsible for flexing the knee and extending the hip. - Gluteal muscles: The gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus are located in the buttocks but also play a role in hip extension and rotation.
Overall, the muscles of the thigh work together to provide stability, strength, and mobility to the hip and knee joints. They are essential for activities such as walking, running, jumping, and squatting.