Knee Joint Muscles

Front 1

Quadriceps Muscles

Back 1

good jumping ability
function as decelerator, when changing direction, also evident when coming down from jumping
contraction during breaking is eccentric
eccentric contraction is slowing of movements

Front 2

Rectus femoris

Back 2

origin - anterior iliac spine of ilium
insertion - superior aspect of the patella and patellar tendon to tibial tuberosity
Action:
Flexion of hip
Knee extension
Innervation:
femoral nerve

Front 3

Vastus lateralis

Back 3

Origin:
anterior/ inferior or greater trochanter
Insertion:
lateral border of patella and patellar tendon to tibial tuberosity
Action:
Knee extension
Palpation:
slightly distal to greater trochanter
Innervation:
femoral nerve

Front 4

Vastus intermedius

Back 4

Origin:
upper two thirds of the anterior femur
Insertion:
upper border of patella and patellar tendon tibial tuberosity
Action:
Extension of the knee
Innervation:
femoral nerve

Front 5

Vastus medialis

Back 5

Origin:
whole length of the linea aspera and medial condyloid ridge
Insertion:
medial half of the upper border of the patella and patellar tendon to tibial tuberosity
Action:
Extension of the knee
Innervation:
femoral nerve

Front 6

Hamstring Muscles

Back 6

biceps femoris, semimembranosus, semitendinosus
injuries common in regards to explosive running
All originate on the ischial tuberosity of the pelvic bone
Primarily knee flexors and hip extensors
Knee rotation is brought about by the hamstring muscles. Bicep femoris externally rotates the lower leg at the knee and the semitendinosus and semimembranosus internally rotate the knee