ischiocruralen

Ischiocruralen, in German anatomy, refers to the hamstring muscle group located on the posterior thigh. This group comprises three muscles that cross both the hip and knee joints and play a key role in moving and stabilizing the leg. The muscles are the M. biceps femoris (caput longum and caput breve), the M. semitendinosus, and the M. semimembranosus.

Most of the group originates from the tuberositas ischiadica of the pelvis, with the long head of the biceps femoris arising from the ischial tuberosity, while the short head arises from the femoral shaft. The semitendinosus inserts on the upper medial tibia (pes anserinus), and the semimembranosus inserts on the medial condyle of the tibia. The biceps femoris has two heads: the caput longum inserts on the head of the fibula, while the caput breve originates from the femur and also inserts on the fibular head.

Nerve supply is via the sciatic nerve, with the tibial portion innervating the long head of the biceps, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus, and the common fibular (peroneal) nerve innervating the short head of the biceps femoris. Blood supply comes from perforating branches of the profunda femoris and from branches around the popliteal region.

Functions of the ischiocruralen include hip extension and knee flexion, with roles in stabilizing the knee and controlling leg movements during walking, running, and jumping. They also contribute to dynamic restraining actions during activities that require rapid deceleration. Clinically, hamstring strains are common, especially in athletes, and are a frequent focus of sports injury prevention and rehabilitation.