Final answer:
The anatomical and functional criteria for defining muscle compartments in the thigh that move the hip and knee are not identical. These compartments include the medial, anterior, and posterior, each comprising different muscles that coordinate movements at both joints.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anatomical and functional criteria for defining compartments of muscle that move the hip and knee joints are not identical. The muscles involved in movement at these joints are organized into compartments based on their function and location. The thigh muscles, for example, are divided into medial, anterior, and posterior compartments. The medial compartment includes muscles like the adductors, which aid in adduction of the thigh.
The anterior compartment houses the quadriceps femoris, which includes four muscles that work together to extend the knee: the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medius, and vastus intermedius. On the other hand, the posterior compartment includes the hamstring group - biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus - which primarily flex the knee. It's important to note that while these compartments assist in distinct motions, the muscles within can have roles at both the hip and knee joints, working in concert for complex movements.