Lower limb

Sartorius

Musculus sartorius

Origin

Anterior superior iliac spine

Insertion

Medial surface of the tibia, at the level of the superficial pes anserinus

Function

Flexion, abduction and external rotation of the hip; flexion of the knee

Innervation

Femoral nerve (L2-L3)

Movement & chain

The longest muscle in the body; brings the leg into the 'tailor's seat' position (hip flexion-abduction-external rotation combined with knee flexion).

Palpation

Diagonal band running from the ASIS to the medial knee, easily traced with the leg in a crossed position.

Clinical

Part of the pes anserinus (together with gracilis and semitendinosus); pes anserinus bursitis causes pain at the medial knee just below the joint.

Segmental innervation

Femoral nerve, L2-L3.

In clinical practice

Marks the lateral border of the femoral triangle (Scarpa's triangle), an important landmark for vascular puncture and for locating the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.

Region in the model

Lower limb