The hamstrings are composed of which of the following muscles?

The hamstrings are comprised of three main muscles: the semimembranosus, the semitendinosus, and the biceps femoris. These muscles are located at the back of the thigh and play a crucial role in knee flexion and hip extension. Understanding the specific muscles that make up the hamstrings is essential for orthotic fitters, as abnormalities or injuries related to these muscles can influence the design and application of orthotic devices.

In contrast, the options that mention other muscle groups, such as the quadriceps or the gastrocnemius, consist of muscles that have different functions. The quadriceps, for instance, is primarily involved in knee extension, while the gastrocnemius aids in both knee flexion and plantarflexion of the foot but does not form part of the hamstring group. The adductor muscles listed in another option are involved in hip adduction and are not associated with the hamstrings. This distinction is important for identifying muscle groups and their implications in movement and function, particularly in contexts relevant to orthotics and rehabilitation.