Muscles of the Thigh
Tensor fasciae latae
Originates from the crest of the ilium. Inserts over the tibia. This muscle flexes the hip and extends the knee.
Gluteus medius
Originates from the lumbodorsal and gluteal fascia. Inserts on the greater trochanter of the femur. This muscle extends the hip and abducts the hind limb.
Biceps femoris
Originates from the posterior portions of the sacrum and ischium. Inserts by an aponeurosis along the tibia. This muscle retracts the knee, flexes the shank, and abducts the thigh.
Vastus lateralis
Originates from the greater trochanter of the femur. Inserts on the patella. This muscle extends and stabilizes the knee.
Semitendinosus
_Originates from the first caudal vertebrae and the ilium. Inserts on the upper end of the tibia. This muscle pulls the thigh toward the mid-line.
Semimembranosus
_Originates from the isicial tuberosis. Inserts on the distal end of the femur, and the proximal end of the tibia. This muscle extends the hip and pulls the leg towards the mid-line.
Sartorius
Originates from the iliac fascia. Inserts on the proximal end of the tibia. This muscle flexes the hip and adducts the thigh.
Gracilis
(You will need to remove the gracilis attachment to the thigh in order to reveal the other thigh muscles). Originates from area near the pubic symphysis. Inserts on the proximal third of the tibia on the medial side. This muscle pulls the thigh in towards the mid-line of the body.
Adductor magnus
Originates from the ventral surface of the pubis. Inserts on the femur along much of its medial side. This muscle adducts the thigh.
Rectus femoris
Originates from the anterior inferior iliac spine. Inserts into the patellar tendon. This muscle extends the knee and flexes the hip.
Vastus medialis
Originates on medial side of the femur. Inserts into the quadriceps tendon. This muscle extends the leg.