MuscleThigh — anterior
Sartorius
Latin: M. sartorius sinistra
Location: Thigh
Paired structure: one on the left and one on the right side of the body.
View the sartorius in 3DOrigin
Anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS).
Insertion
Medial proximal tibia (pes anserinus).
Action
The longest muscle in the body: weakly flexes, abducts and laterally rotates the hip while flexing and medially rotating the knee — crossing the legs in the tailors' ('sartor') sitting posture.
Nerve supply
Femoral nerve (L2–L3).
Blood supply
Femoral artery branches.
Clinical relevance
It roofs the adductor (subsartorial, Hunter's) canal carrying the femoral artery, vein and saphenous nerve — where John Hunter ligated the artery to treat popliteal aneurysm.
Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.