Muscle
Biceps femoris
Lateral hamstring
High-yield
Only hamstring that laterally rotates the leg; short head is the one hamstring part supplied by the common fibular division.
Overview
The lateral hamstring with long and short heads; it flexes the knee and laterally rotates the flexed leg. Its tendon is the lateral border of the popliteal fossa.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Long head: ischial tuberosity. Short head: lateral lip of the linea aspera
- Insertion
- Head of the fibula
- Action
- Flexes the knee and laterally rotates the flexed leg; long head extends the hip
- Innervation
- Long head: tibial division of the sciatic (L5-S2). Short head: common fibular division (L5-S2)
- Blood supply
- Perforating branches of the deep femoral artery
Frequently asked questions
What does the biceps femoris do?
The biceps femoris flexes the knee and laterally rotates the flexed leg; long head extends the hip.
What nerve innervates the biceps femoris?
Long head: tibial division of the sciatic (L5-S2). Short head: common fibular division (L5-S2).
Where does the biceps femoris attach?
Origin: Long head: ischial tuberosity. Short head: lateral lip of the linea aspera. Insertion: Head of the fibula.
What is the blood supply of the biceps femoris?
The biceps femoris is supplied by the perforating branches of the deep femoral artery.