Semimembranosus
Musculus semimembranosus
MuscularSuperficial musclesLegLeft and right
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- What it is
- Deep medial hamstring with a flat, membrane-like upper tendon and a thick lower belly. It runs from the ischial tuberosity to the posterior surface of the medial tibial condyle, sending an expansion that forms the oblique popliteal ligament.
- Function
- Extends the hip, flexes the knee and medially rotates the leg.
- Size
- About 40 cm long; belly about 6 cm wide in the lower thigh.
- Clinical note
- The bursa between it and the medial head of gastrocnemius can distend into a Baker's (popliteal) cyst behind the knee.