Muscles of the hip and thigh (Posterior view) (English)

The muscles of the gluteal region are divided into superficial and deep groups. The superficial gluteal muscles include the large gluteus maximus muscle as well as the gluteus medius and minimus muscles; the tensor fascia latae muscle which is positioned laterally. The superficial gluteal muscles collectively contribute to extension, internal and external rotation and abduction and adduction of the thigh at the hip joint. The deep gluteal muscles are located beneath the superficial gluteal muscles and include the piriformis, gemellus superior, obturator internus, gemellus inferior, obturator externus, and quadratus femoris muscles. The deep gluteal muscles function to externally rotate and abduct the thigh at the hip joint whilst also contributing to stabilization of the head of the femur with the acetabulum. The posterior muscles of the thigh are also known as the ischiocrural, or more commonly, the hamstring muscles. They include: the biceps femoris, semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles. The ischiocrural muscles work together to extend the thigh, flex the knee joint and stabilize the hip joint.