Muscles of the human leg Anterior view of the muscles of the human leg. (more) thigh anatomy Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/thigh Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Kara Rogers Kara Rogers is the senior editor of biomedical sciences at Encyclopædia Britannica, where she oversees a range of content from medicine and genetics to microorganisms. She joined Britannica in 2006 and... Kara Rogers Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 2, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What is the main bone in the thigh? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The main bone in the thigh is the femur, which is the longest and strongest bone in the body." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What are the three compartments of the thigh? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The thigh is divided into anterior, medial, and posterior compartments." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What functions do the anterior muscles of the thigh perform? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "The anterior muscles of the thigh, mainly the quadriceps, straighten the knee and help flex the hip." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What are common injuries affecting the thigh? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Common injuries that affect the thigh include muscle strains, contusions, intramuscular hematomas, fractures of the femur, and nerve or vascular injuries." } } ] } Top Questions What is the main bone in the thigh? The main bone in the thigh is the femur, which is the longest and strongest bone in the body.
What are the three compartments of the thigh? The thigh is divided into anterior, medial, and posterior compartments.
What functions do the anterior muscles of the thigh perform? The anterior muscles of the thigh, mainly the quadriceps, straighten the knee and help flex the hip.
What are common injuries affecting the thigh? Common injuries that affect the thigh include muscle strains, contusions, intramuscular hematomas, fractures of the femur, and nerve or vascular injuries.
thigh, region of the human lower limb located between the hip and the knee, containing the femur—the longest and strongest bone in the body—as well as major muscles, nerves, and blood vessels that support movement and weight-bearing. The thigh houses important neurovascular structures, including the femoral artery and vein and the sciatic nerve, making it a critical region for both locomotion and circulation. The thigh is divided into anterior, medial, and posterior compartments, each with distinct muscle groups that perform specific functions. The anterior muscles, mainly the quadriceps, straighten the knee and help flex the hip. The posterior muscles, also ...(100 of 247 words)
Unlock the full article Access our trusted destination for facts and information 7-Day Free Trial, No Ads, Unlimited Access, Exclusive Content Subscribe Today