What muscles help the knees move?

Scott D. Martin, MD

Orthopedic Surgery

Muscles power the movement of your knees. These muscles include:

the quadriceps, a set of four muscles, often called the "quads," that runs up the front of your thigh and contracts when you straighten your knee, working hard when you get up from sitting or squatting
the calf muscle (gastrocnemius), which helps the knee and ankle bend.
the hamstrings, three muscles in back of your thighs that contract when you bend your knees, helping support your weight as you sit down, and helping to extend the hip as you get up.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Parts of the Muscular System

Your skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles work together to keep your body running like a machine. Within this muscular system there are various parts, from muscle fibers to ligaments. You may know about hamstrings, quadriceps and abdominal muscles, but there hundreds of muscles that move within your body. Some are involuntary, like parts of your digestive system, while you control others whenever you go for a walk or lift weights.

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