This document describes the functions of 10 muscles: gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, tensor fasciae latae, adductor magnus, gracilis, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, rectus femoris, and vastus lateralis. For each muscle, it provides the muscle name, location, function in extending, flexing, abducting, adducting, or rotating the thigh, leg, or knee. Key details are highlighted on lateral and posterior views of the muscles and reminders on muscle locations.

1. Figure 8.25 & 8.26; pg. 188
Chart 8.12; page 189
1
Lateral view Posterior view
??
Function?Extends the leg at the hip
Gluteus maximus

2. Posterior view
Figure 8.25 & 8.26; pg. 188
Chart 8.12; page 189
2
Function?
Lateral views
Abducts and rotates
the thigh medially
? ?Gluteus medius

3. Figure 8.25; pg. 188
Chart 8.12; page 189
**Repeat Muscle**
3
?
Function?
Lateral views
Abducts, flexes,
and rotates the
thigh medially
Tensor fasciae latae

4. Figure 8.26; pg. 188
Chart 8.12; page 189
**Repeat Muscle**
4
?
Function?
Adductor magnus
Adducts, extends,
and rotates the
thigh laterally

5. Figure 8.26; pg. 188
Chart 8.12; page 189
**Repeat Muscle**
5
?
Function?
Gracilis
Adducts the thigh,
flexes and rotates
the leg medially at
the knee

6. Figure 8.25 & 8.26; pg. 188
Chart 8.13; page 189
6
Function?
Lateral view Posterior view
Flexes and rotates the
leg laterally and
extends the thigh
??Biceps femoris
lateral
medial

7. Figure 8.26; pg. 188
Chart 8.13; page 189
7
?
Function?
Posterior view
Semitendinosus
Flexes and rotates the leg
medially and extends the
thigh
medial
lateral
lateral
medial

8. lateralmedial
medial lateral
Figure 8.26; pg. 188
Chart 8.13; page 189
8
?
Function?
Posterior view
Semimembranosus
Flexes and rotates the leg
medially and extends the
thigh
**Note, the main body of the
semimembranosus is medial
to the semitendinosus and
the biceps femoris. Thus,
remember “membranosus”
is “medial.”

9. Figure 8.25; pg. 188
Chart 8.13; page 189
9
Anterior view Lateral view**Repeat Muscle**
?
Function?
Rectus femoris
Extends the leg
at the knee

10. anterior
(front)
posterior
(rear)lateral medial
Figure 8.25; pg. 188
Chart 8.13; page 189
10
**Repeat Muscle**
?
Function?
Vastus lateralis
Extends the leg
at the knee