Semitendinosus

The Semitendinosus muscle is one of the hamstrings and can be found in the back of the thigh. It is remarkable for the great length of its tendon of insertion

Anatomy of the Semitendinosus Muscle

The semitendinosus is innervated by the tibial part of the sciatic nerve.

It arises from the lower and medial impression on the tuberosity of the ischium, by a tendon common to it and the long head of the biceps femoris.

The semitendinosus also arises from an aponeurosis which connects the adjacent surfaces of the two muscles to the extent of about 7.5 cm. from their origin.

The muscle is fusiform in shape and ends a little below the middle of the thigh in a long round tendon which lies along the medial side of the popliteal fossa.

At its insertion it gives off from its lower border a prolongation to the deep fascia of the leg and lies behind the tendon of the sartorius, and below that of the gracilis, to which it is united. These three tendons form what is known as the pes anserinus, so named because it looks like the foot of a goose.

Functions of the Semitendinosus Muscle

Just like The Semimembranosus Muscle the Semitendinosus has two main functions:

• It helps to extend (straighten) the hip joint, and
• Flex the knee joint.

The Semitendinosus Muscle also helps to rotate the knee towards the center of the body.

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