Biceps femoris (long head)
Musculus biceps femoris, caput longum
MuscularSuperficial musclesLegLeft and right
View left in 3D View right in 3D
- What it is
- The lateral hamstring. Its long head arises from the ischial tuberosity (common tendon with semitendinosus) and runs obliquely down the back of the thigh, joining the short head to insert on the head of the fibula.
- Function
- Extends the hip, flexes the knee and laterally rotates the flexed knee.
- Size
- About 35 cm long; belly 4-5 cm wide.
- Clinical note
- The most frequently injured hamstring in sprinting; the common fibular nerve runs along its medial border at the knee.