Sartorius & Gracilis Muscles: Location, Origin, and Function

Sartorius muscle

The sartorius is a long, thin muscle located on the medial (inner) aspect of the thigh. It originates from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and inserts into the medial surface of the tibia.

Gracilis muscle

The gracilis is a flat, triangular-shaped muscle located on the medial aspect of the thigh. It originates from the pubic bone (inferior ramus) and inserts into the tibia.

Actions

* Sartorius: flexes the hip joint and rotates it laterally; also flexes the knee joint

* Gracilis: adducts the hip joint (pulls it towards the midline of the body) and flexes the knee joint

Innervation

* Sartorius: Femoral nerve (L2, L3)

* Gracilis: Obturator nerve (L2, L3, L4)