AnatoMemory

Muscle

Sartorius

Longest muscle in the body

Lower limbMuscular system

High-yield

Longest muscle in the body; flexes hip and knee and laterally rotates the thigh ("tailor's position"). Femoral nerve.

Overview

A strap-like muscle crossing the anterior thigh obliquely that produces the cross-legged 'tailor' position. It forms the lateral border of the femoral triangle.

Reference facts

Origin
Anterior superior iliac spine
Insertion
Superomedial surface of the tibia (pes anserinus)
Action
Flexes, abducts, and laterally rotates the thigh; flexes the knee
Innervation
Femoral nerve (L2, L3)
Blood supply
Femoral artery (muscular branches)

Frequently asked questions

What does the sartorius do?

The sartorius flexes, abducts, and laterally rotates the thigh; flexes the knee.

What nerve innervates the sartorius?

The sartorius is innervated by the femoral nerve (L2, L3).

Where does the sartorius attach?

The sartorius originates from the anterior superior iliac spine and inserts on the superomedial surface of the tibia (pes anserinus).

What is the blood supply of the sartorius?

The sartorius is supplied by the femoral artery (muscular branches).