Thigh is part of our lower body. In Latin, it is known as the femur. It is the part of the lower limb. It contains the biggest muscles in the body. The muscles in the thigh permit the lower body to turn, flex, and rotate. Also, they bear most of the weight of the body. It keeps the hips and legs aligned and provides balance to them.
Definition
The thigh is the part of the leg. It joins the hip with the knee. In Urdu, we describe it as ران. We pronounce it as Thai.
Etymology
This word originates from Old English theh, theoh, and thioh of Germanic origin related to Dutch dij. This word comes from the Germanic source which means the thick part of the leg.
Synonyms
- Calf
- Shin
- Shank
- Drumstick
- Pin
- Ham
- Foreleg
Functions
It plays a vital role in balance, stability, and position of our body. It assists us in our daily movements such as jumping, running, walking, and many more. The joints of the hips and knees permit a broad range of motion in our lower body.
These joints enable the straightening and bending of the leg. Also, it is important for the regulation of the temperature in the body.
Structure & Anatomy of Thigh
Bones:
The femur is the only thigh bone. It is the region of the lower limb between the hip and the knee. It works as a connection place for all muscles in the thigh. The top of the bone joins with the acetabulum in the pelvic bone which forms the joint of the hip.
The distance part of this bone attaches to the tibia and patella which forms the knee. The femur is the strongest and largest bone in the body. This bone is categorized as an extended or lengthy bone and contains a shaft, diaphysis, 2 epiphysis, and the upper and lower extremity of the femur which joins with nearby bones in the hip and knee.
Muscles:
The muscles in the thigh are divided into three compartments divided by fascia. These compartments use the thigh bone (femur ) as an axis. They are separated by hard connective tissue membranes. Every one of these compartments has its own blood and nerve supply. These compartments are:
- Posterior Fascial Compartment
- Anterior Fascial Compartment
- Medial Fascial Compartment
Posterior Fascial Compartment:
These muscles are the hamstring muscles. Hamstring muscles are the frame muscles at the rear of the thigh. They help in various movements of the leg such as for walking and many more. The three muscles in the hamstring muscles include:
- Semimembranosus
- Semitendinosus
- Biceps femoris
Anterior Fascial Compartment:
The basic function of this compartment is to extend the leg at the joint of the knee. This compartment has two muscles and one muscle group which are:
- Pectineus
- Sartorius
Muscle Group in Anterior Fascial Compartment
The muscle group in the anterior fascial compartment is the quadriceps muscles contain four muscles which are:
- Rectus femoris
- Vastus medialis
- Vastus intermedius
- Vastus lateralis
Medial Fascial Compartment:
The muscles in this compartment are known as hip adductors which are:
- Gracilis
- Pectineus
- Adductor magnus
- Adductor longus
- Adductor brevis
Blood Supply:
The femoral artery is the main blood supplier or blood vessel in the thigh. It supplies blood to the legs and is in the right near the groin. This artery has some sections which are:
- Common femoral artery
- Deep femoral artery
- Superficial femoral artery
Thigh Pain
The pain in the upper thigh muscle may occur for many reasons such as:
- Trauma
- Strain
- Kidney stones
- Hernia
- Blood clot
- Poor circulation
- Tendinitis
- Cellulitis
- Injury
- Hamstring contusion
- Arthritis
- Muscles problems
- Nerve damage
Thigh Exercises
- Squat
- Leg circles
- Glute bridge
- Side lunge
- Toning exercises
- Sumo squat
- Barbell lunge
- Step up
- Deadlift
- Leg stretches
Key Takeaways:
- It is the biggest group of muscles in our body.
- It has a network of blood vessels.
- It is a general location for strain of the muscles.
- It is responsible for maintaining posture.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the inner thigh?
It is the central facing side and is opposite to the outer thighs.
How can we build up the thigh muscles?
We can build up the thigh muscles by:
- Running
- Cycling
- Deadlift
- Step-up
- Squats
How much is the size of the femur?
It is around about 18 inches long.
Mention the name of the area among the thighs.
The area among the thighs is the perineum.
What are the causes of the fat in the inner thighs of the females?
- Weight gain
- Genetics
- Age
- Hormonal changes
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