Morphological study on the origin of the semitendinosus muscle in the long head of biceps femoris

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Abstract

Hamstring muscle injuries are the most prevalent among athletes who engage in sprinting activities. Their most frequent location is where the long head of the biceps femoris joins with the semitendinosus muscle to form the conjoint hamstring tendon. Just distal to this area, an additional group of fibers of the semitendinosus originate from medial aspect of biceps femoris. The objective of this study was to analyze the morphological characteristics of this union and to discuss its potential role in hamstring tears. Anatomical dissection was performed on 35 thighs. Samples obtained from this region were sectioned and stained with Masson's trichrome for further histological evaluation. A group of fibers from the semitendinosus muscle originating from the long head of the biceps femoris were observed in all 35 specimens. This origin was located 67 ± 12 mm from the ischial tuberosity and was 32 ± 14 mm in length. This group of muscle fibers had a width of 10.9 ± 5.3 mm and a thickness in the anteroposterior axis of 3.2 ± 1.4 mm. Its pennation angle was 9.2 ± 1.5 degrees. Microscopic examination showed muscle cells from both muscles contacting interposed tendinous tissue. In conclusion, fibers of the semitendinosus muscle consistently arise from the proximal aspect of the long head of biceps femoris. The morphological characteristics of this junction have functional implications. The horizontal component of the semitendinosus vector could pull the long head of the biceps femoris medially during its shortening-lengthening cycle, rendering it an intrinsic risk factor for hamstring injuries.

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