Anatomy-Lexicon

Biceps femoris

Synonyms

German: biceps thigh muscle, Thigh flexors

to the thigh muscles overview
to the musculature overview

introduction

The biceps femoris (two-headed thigh muscle) lies on the back of the thigh and belongs to the flexor group (flexors in the joint). It is clearly visible and palpable on the outer back of the thigh.

You can find more information on the subject here

Thigh bone
hip
Hip osteoarthritis
Hip surgery

Figure biceps femoris

Illustration of the biceps femoris muscle (two-headed thigh muscle): back of the thigh with pelvis

Biceps femoris muscle
Two-headed hamstrings
(1.+2.)

Biceps thigh muscle,
long head -
Biceps femoris muscle,
Caput longum
Biceps thigh muscle,
short head -
Biceps femoris muscle,
Caput breve
Fibula - Fibula
Shin - Tibia
Femur - Femur
Ischium - Os ischii
Pubic bone - Pubis
Sacrum - Sacrum
Iliac scoop - Ala ossis ilii
Rough line - Linea aspera

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations

Approach, origin, innervation

Approach: Fibula head (Head fibulae)

Origin:

Long head (caput longum): Ischial tuberosity (Sciatic tuberosity) and sacrum and ischial tuberosity ligament (Lig. Cacrotuberale)
Short head (Caput brevis): bony groin of the back of the femur (Labium laterale linea asperae)

Innervation: Common peroneal nerve L5, S1

Tendon of the biceps femoris

The biceps femoris muscle consists of two muscle bellieswho agree and work together on the head of the fibula (Head fibulae) have their approach. The tendon runs from the bottom of the thigh to the outside of the knee joint. To protect the tendon from damage, there is one in the attachment area Bursa. However, the biceps femoris muscle, acting as a hip extensor and knee flexor, and its tendon remain particularly vulnerable Cracks or Inflammation.

More information can be found here: Tendon tear, Tendinitis

Pain in the biceps femoris tendon

Pain in the biceps femoris tendon can occur various causes to have. It can be a Tendinitis, one Bursitis, one Muscle tear or one Tendon tear act. The pain is typically located in the hollow of the knee or on the outside of the hollow of the knee and can radiate into the fibula. If the biceps femoris is used (i.e. when bending the knee), the symptoms can worsen. Whether it is inflammation or a tear, in both cases Rest and relief appropriate because a tendon takes time to heal.

The tendon is inflamed

A Inflammation of the tendon (Tendonitis) of the biceps femoris muscle is characterized by pain on the outside of the hollow of the knee, which can radiate into the fibula. A Tendinitis can occur as a result of frequent minor injuries. Can be used to treat inflammation Cryotherapy such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to be used. Bandages, heat and electrotherapy can also be used. Also are early physical therapy, as well as stretching and light training exercises to prevent a loss of mobility and strength. Differential diagnosis should include the "runner's knee" (Iliotibial tract chafing syndrome) and external meniscus damage can be excluded.

Tendon "jumps"

Pain at the back of the knee and a “snapping” tendon can be caused by a Subluxation the tendon of the biceps femoris arise. Such a phenomenon can occur, for example, when the tendon is not properly attached to the fibula head or the fibula head is enlarged. Both examples are often anatomical variants that only become noticeable under greater stress (competitive sport). In most cases, symptoms appear when the knee is bent. The recommended therapy is knee surgery, in which the incorrectly fixed biceps tendon is sewn back in the anatomically and physiologically correct position or a fibula head is reduced. Other causes of a snapping tendon can be in the area Menisci, the kneecap or the ilio-tibial Ribbons lie.

How is the muscle trained / contracted?

The biceps femoris, like the entire rear thigh muscles, can preferably be trained with the hamstrings. Special, guided equipment in the gym is best for this.

The hamstrings can be performed lying down and sitting.

Hamstrings

For more information, see Weight Training

Exercises for the biceps femoris

The essential functions of the biceps femoris are that Knee flexion as well as the Hip extension. To train the biceps femoris, for example, knee flexion with (or without) dumbbells is recommended. The knee flexion should be done slowly and the back should be done at the same time as straight as possible stay. A barbell or multi-press can also be used to increase this. A variation is to hold the barbell above your head with your arms straight. Due to the additional pressure on the shoulders, the muscle has to exert more force to straighten the hips and slowly bend the knee.

A second type of exercise for the biceps femoris would be Lunges. Here you have to take a big (lunge) step forward and bring your knee on the opposite side almost to the floor. It is also important that your back is doing this as straight as possible remains. You can also use small dumbbells or barbells for this exercise. Fitness machines such as back straighteners or leg presses are also good for training biceps femoris strength. The muscles can also be trained while lying down, for example by lifting your knees and feet on the floor, buttocks and lower back. The top of your back, arms and shoulders should stay on the floor.

Exercises for the biceps femoris

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How is the muscle stretched?

The stretching exercises for the back of the thigh are perceived by many as very uncomfortable and sometimes painful. The athlete stands with his legs closed and straight and tries to touch the tips of his toes with his fingers. The back should be kept as straight as possible.

Notice: Athletes who do not manage to touch the tips of their toes when their legs are stretched usually do not suffer from any shortened muscles, but only have a lack of mobility. This can be seen very clearly in our illustration.

See stretching for more information

(Kinesio) taping

Muscle taping is appropriate for various types of injury. For example, in the case of a muscle strain in the thigh area, the biceps femoris muscle can be taped. For this, the person affected should stand and bend forward with the upper body in order to tense the biceps femoris muscle. To tap the biceps femoris effectively, the first strip of the back outside of the hollow of the knee to the buttocks appropriate. For this it is advisable to straighten the knee and turn the upper body slightly to the opposite side. This strip is attached without too much tension.

The second strip should be a Double stripes be, that is, two thin strips with a common base. This can be easily achieved by simply cutting the strip down the middle along its length, but leaving one end in common. The base of the double strip is glued to the lower pole of the muscle, so a few inches above the hollow of the knee and the two strips are under middle pull around the muscle belly appropriate. If possible, the two loose ends should be glued together. This taping can improve the function of the muscle and you can thus achieve (pain) relief.

More information can be found here: Taping the knee