Thigh

In humans the thigh is the area between the pelvis and buttocks and the knee. Anatomically, it is part of the lower limb.

Fascial compartments

In cross-section, the thigh is divided up into three fascial compartments. These compartments are the femur as an axis, and are separated by tough connective tissue membranes (or septa). Each of these compartments has its own blood and nerve supply, and contains a different group of muscles.

Related Topics:
Fascial compartment - Connective tissue - Septa - Blood - Nerve - Muscle

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Anterior compartment

This contains the flexors of the hip, and extensors of the knee, such as the quadriceps femoris. These muscles are supplied by the femoral nerve and the femoral artery.

Related Topics:
Quadriceps femoris - Femoral nerve - Femoral artery

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Medial compartment

The obturator nerve supplies the hip adductors in this compartment. Muscles include adductor longus, adductor brevis and gracilis.

Related Topics:
Obturator nerve - Adductor longus - Adductor brevis - Gracilis

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Posterior compartment

The muscles here are the hamstrings. These muscles flex the knee, and extend the hip. This compartment is sciatic nerve territory.

Related Topics:
Hamstring - Sciatic nerve

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