Final answer:
The anterior thigh compartment, consisting of the quadriceps femoris group, extends the knee, while the posterior compartment, containing the hamstring group, flexes the knee and assists in thigh movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anterior and Posterior Thigh Muscle Actions
The common action of the muscles in the anterior compartment of the thigh includes extending the knee joint. This compartment is mainly composed of the quadriceps femoris group, which consists of four muscles: the rectus femoris, the vastus lateralis, the vastus medius, and the vastus intermedius. Their primary function is to move the lower leg out in front of the body, as when kicking, and assist in raising the knee.
On the other hand, the posterior compartment of the thigh is chiefly involved in flexing the knee. This compartment includes the hamstring group: the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. These muscles enable the movement of the back of the lower legs up and toward the buttocks, for actions such as kneeling, and they also facilitate the movement of the thigh down and back, including the outward twisting of the thigh and lower leg.