Posterior Femoral Intermuscular Septum
Septum intermusculare posterius femoris
Read moreStructure
The posterior femoral intermuscular septum (or posterior intermuscular septum of the thigh) is a dense fold of deep fascia, which invaginates between the muscles of the thigh; separating the medial and posterior compartments of the thigh from each other. The septum extends from the fascia lata to the medial lip of the linea aspera on the shaft of the femur.
The other major septa include the lateral and medial intermuscular septa. The lateral intermuscular septum is strong and least compliant, whereas the medial and posterior intermuscular septa are much thinner. Besides the major septa, there are numerous smaller septa, which separate the individual muscles from each other and enclose them in their distinct fascial sheaths.
Related parts of the anatomy
Anatomical Relations
The posterior intermuscular septum is related anteriorly to the posterior surface of adductor magnus muscle. The anterior surface of the semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles, the hamstring muscles, serves as the posterior relation of the septum.
Function
Septal compartmentalization of the thigh helps to provide support to the soft tissue structures, with septa giving partial origin to various muscles.
List of Clinical Correlates
—Compartment syndrome
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Septum
Hyphal bodies are single- or multi-celled structures delimited by septa that are able to multiply quickly by division or budding.
