The prime mover for knee flexion is the hamstring muscle group, including the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. These muscles originate from the ischial tuberosity in the pelvis and insert on the tibia and fibula, allowing them to flex the knee joint when contracting. Strengthening these muscles through exercises like hamstring curls can improve knee flexion strength and function.
The antagonist muscle in the flexion of the knee is the quadriceps muscle group. When the knee is being flexed, the quadriceps relax to allow the hamstrings to contract and bring about the flexion movement.
Rectus femoris+ anterior thigh; quadriceps+ extension of leg at knee Vastus lateralis+ lateral anterior thigh; quadriceps+ extension of leg at knee Vastus Medialis+ medial anterior thigh; quadriceps+ extension of leg at knee Vastus intermedius+ deep anterior thigh; quadriceps+ extension of leg at knee Sartorius (*) parallel strap-like muscle that crosses thigh flexion of knee forward Biceps femoris* posterior thigh; hamstring* flexion of leg at knee Semitendinosus* posterior thigh; hamstring* flexion of leg at knee Semimembranosus* posterior thigh; hamstring* flexion of leg at knee
rectus femoris
Function of the sartorius is flexion of the hip and knee joints. It is also called as 'Tailor's muscle'.
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The three muscles that aid on knee flexion are the semitendiosus, semimembranosus, and the biceps femoris. None of these muscles are considered the prime mover because they all cross two joints. Therefore all three of the muscles are considered to be synergist.
The main muscles used in flexion of the knee are the hamstrings (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus) and the gastrocnemius. These muscles work together to bend the knee joint.
The rectus femoris THe regular Muscle Action is hip flexion with knee extension, as in kicking a ball or doing a straight leg raise The reverse muscle action is still hip flexion with knee extension, but as in doing sit-ups while lying supine with knes straight ahead
The popliteus
plantar flexion and knee flexion
Knee flexion is an example of a third-class lever, where the effort (force) is applied between the fulcrum (joint) and the resistance (weight of the lower leg). The quadriceps muscle exerts the effort to flex the knee joint, overcoming the resistance provided by the weight of the lower leg.