Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

8. Joints

Joint Movements

Anatomy & Physiology

8. Joints

Joint Movements

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1:32 minutes

Problem 28

Textbook Question

Which types of movements are affected when the hamstrings are injured?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the anatomy of the hamstrings: The hamstrings are a group of three muscles located at the back of the thigh—biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. These muscles are responsible for specific movements at the hip and knee joints.

Identify the primary functions of the hamstrings: The hamstrings are involved in hip extension (moving the thigh backward) and knee flexion (bending the knee). They also play a role in stabilizing the pelvis during activities like walking or running.

Analyze the impact of injury: When the hamstrings are injured, movements involving hip extension and knee flexion are likely to be affected. This can result in difficulty performing activities such as walking, running, climbing stairs, or bending the knee.

Consider compensatory mechanisms: Other muscles, such as the gluteus maximus (for hip extension) and the gastrocnemius (for knee flexion), may partially compensate for the loss of hamstring function, but overall movement efficiency will be reduced.

Relate to rehabilitation: Recovery from a hamstring injury often involves physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected muscles, ensuring proper function of hip and knee movements.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hamstring Anatomy

The hamstrings are a group of three muscles located at the back of the thigh: the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. They play a crucial role in knee flexion and hip extension. Understanding their anatomy helps in identifying how injuries can impact movement and function in the lower body.

Knee Flexion

Knee flexion is the movement that decreases the angle between the thigh and the lower leg, primarily facilitated by the hamstrings. When the hamstrings are injured, this movement can be painful or limited, affecting activities such as walking, running, and jumping, which rely heavily on proper knee function.

Hip Extension

Hip extension is the movement that increases the angle between the thigh and the pelvis, which is also significantly influenced by the hamstrings. An injury to these muscles can hinder the ability to perform actions like standing up from a seated position or running, as both require effective hip extension for propulsion and stability.