MuscleThigh — medial compartment
Gracilis
Latin: M. gracilis
Location: Thigh
View the gracilis in 3DOrigin
Inferior pubic ramus and ischiopubic ramus.
Insertion
Pes anserinus on the medial proximal tibia.
Action
Adducts the thigh, flexes the knee and medially rotates the flexed knee — the only medial-compartment muscle crossing the knee.
Nerve supply
Anterior division of the obturator nerve (L2–L4).
Blood supply
Profunda femoris and obturator arteries.
Clinical relevance
Harvested (often with semitendinosus) for ACL reconstruction and as a free muscle flap; pes anserine bursitis under its insertion affects runners and people with knee osteoarthritis.
Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.