Sartorius muscle

Sartorius Muscle

The Sartorius muscle (pronunciation: /sɑːrˈtɔːriəs/) is the longest muscle in the human body. It is a long, thin, superficial muscle that runs down the length of the thigh in the anterior compartment.

Etymology

The name "sartorius" comes from the Latin word "sartor", meaning tailor, and it is sometimes called the "tailor's muscle". This name was chosen in reference to the cross-legged position in which tailors once sat.

Anatomy

The Sartorius muscle originates from the anterior superior iliac spine. It runs obliquely across the upper and anterior part of the thigh in an inferomedial direction. It then descends to the medial side of the knee, passing behind the medial condyle of the femur to end in a tendon. This tendon curves anteriorly to join the tendons of the gracilis and semitendinosus muscles at the pes anserinus, where it inserts into the superomedial surface of the tibia.

Function

The Sartorius muscle can accomplish flexion, abduction, and lateral rotation of the hip joint, as well as flexion of the knee joint. This wide range of movements makes it an important muscle for activities such as running and walking.

Related Terms

• Anterior superior iliac spine
• Gracilis muscle
• Semitendinosus muscle
• Pes anserinus
• Tibia

See Also

• Muscles of the lower limb
• Muscular system

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Sartorius muscle
• Wikipedia's article - Sartorius muscle

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