Hamstrings

Hamstrings

The hamstring muscle complex occupies the posterior (back) compartment of the thigh. This group comprises three individual muscles: the biceps femoris (long and short heads), semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. Most hamstring muscles originate from the ischial tuberosity (a bone in the pelvis) and run down the back of the thigh to just below the knee, inserting onto the fibula and tibia (lower leg bones).

The hamstring muscles play a critical role in hip extension (moving the leg backward) and knee flexion (bending the knee). They are essential for activities such as standing, walking, running, and jumping. Additionally, they act as dynamic stabilizers of the knee joint, resisting anterior translation of the tibia during activities like walking.