Leg Muscles

This muscle (B) forms most of the flesh of the buttock. It is a powerful hip extensor used in climbing stairs and jumping.

• gluteus medius

• gluteus maximus

• adductor magnus

• gastrocnemius

This muscle (A) is a hip abductor. It is important in steadying the pelvis during walking. It is also an important site for giving intramuscular injections.

• gluteus medius

• gluteus maximus

• biceps femoris

• gastrocnemius

This muscle (C) adducts, or presses, the thighs together.

• Semitendinosus

• Iliotibial tract

• Gastrocnemius

• Adductor magnus

This muscle group on the posterior thigh (H) extends the thigh and flexes the knee.

• Hamstrings

• Gastrocnemius

• Gluteus maximus

• Adductor magnus

This muscle on the posterior thigh (E) extends the thigh and flexes the knee.

• Gluteus medius

• Biceps femoris

• Gastrocnemius

• Semimembranosus

This muscle on the posterior thigh (F) extends the thigh and flexes the knee.

• Gluteus medius

• Biceps femoris

• Gastrocnemius

• Semitendinosus

This muscle on the posterior thigh (G) extends the thigh and flexes the knee.

• Gluteus medius

• Biceps femoris

• Semimembranosus

• Semitendinosus

This two-bellied muscle (I) forms the curved calf of the posterior leg. It is the prime mover for plantar flexion of the foot; for this reason it is often called the "toe dancer's" muscle.

• Gluteus medius

• Gastrocnemius

• Semimembranosus

• Semitendinosus

This muscle (B) is a plantar flexor of the foot.

• Soleus

• Gastrocnemius

• Achilles tendon

• Lateral malleolus

This muscle (C) acts to dorsiflex and invert the foot.

• Fibularis longus

• Soleus

• Tibialis anterior

• Extensor digitorum longus