Lower limb

Common tendon of biceps femoris

Tendo communis musculi bicipitis femoris

Origin

Long head: ischial tuberosity; short head: linea aspera of the femur

Insertion

Fibular head

Function

Flexion of the knee and (via the long head) extension and external rotation of the hip; rotates the flexed knee outward

Innervation

Long head: tibial part of the sciatic nerve (L5-S2); short head: fibular part of the sciatic nerve (L5-S2)

Movement & chain

Transfers contraction forces of both biceps heads onto the fibular head for knee flexion and tibial external rotation.

Palpation

The tendon can be readily followed along the lateral side of the popliteal fossa to the fibular head, especially during resisted knee flexion.

Clinical

One of the most common hamstring injuries during sprinting occurs at the myotendinous junction of this muscle.

Segmental innervation

L5–S2 (sciatic nerve)

In clinical practice

Together with the tendon of semitendinosus, forms the lateral boundary of the popliteal fossa, an important landmark in physical examination of the knee.

Region in the model

Lower limb