Which muscles are innervated by the sciatic nerve?

The semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles are indeed innervated by the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and plays a critical role in the innervation of the muscles in the posterior compartment of the thigh, which includes the hamstring group. The semitendinosus and semimembranosus are two of the three hamstring muscles, the third being the biceps femoris. The function of these muscles includes hip extension, which is important for activities such as running and walking, and knee flexion.

Understanding the role of the sciatic nerve in relation to these specific muscles is vital for recognizing patterns of muscle function and potential implications in clinical scenarios, such as nerve injuries or conditions affecting motor capabilities in the lower limb.