Medical expert of the article
New publications
Semi-membranous muscle
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Semimembranous muscle (m.semimembranosus) begins on the ischium with a flat, long tendon. The tendon plate continues down and, tapering in the distal direction, passes at the mid-thigh level into the muscular abdomen. This abdomen is located anterior to the semitendinous muscle and the long head of the biceps femoris. At the level of the knee, the muscle abdomen again continues into the flat tendon, which is attached to the posterolateral surface of the medial condyle of the tibia by 3 bundles. These dry bunches of the semimembranous muscle form the so-called deep goose paw. One bundle of the tendon continues downward and joins the tibial collateral ligament. The second bundle, following down and lateral, is weaved into the fascia of the popliteal muscle, and also attaches itself to the tibialis muscle of the tibia. The third, largest bundle, is directed upward and lateral to the posterior surface of the lateral condyle of the thigh, forming an oblique popliteal ligament. Where the tendon of the semimembranous mouse is thrown over the medial condyle of the hip and touches the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, there is a synovial bag of this muscle (bursa musculi semimembranosi).
The function of the semimembranous muscle: unbends the thigh and flexes the shin; with the knee bent at the knee joint, it turns to the inside: it pulls the capsule of the knee joint, protecting the synovial membrane from infringement.
Innervation of the semimembranous muscle: tibial nerve (LIV-SI).
Blood supply to the semimembranous muscle: an artery that envelops the femur, perforating and popliteal arteries.
[How to examine?