Sartorius Muscle
Origin: Inferior portion of the anterior superior iliac spine
Insertion: Upper medial surface of tibial shaft at the tibial flare.
Actions: Assists with flexion of the thigh and external rotation of the thigh at the hip
Innervation: Anterior division of the femoral nerve (L3, L4)
Blood Supply: Branches from the femoral artery
Primary Actions of the Sartorius Muscle
1. The sartorius assists other muscles in various movements. It does not have a primary action.
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Secondary Actions of the Sartorius Muscle
1. Assists with flexion of the thigh at the hip
Agonists:
- Psoas major
- Iliacus
Antagonists:
- Gluteus maximus
- Semitendinosus
- Semimembranosus
- Biceps femoris (long head)
- Adductor magnus (posterior part)
Pectineus, rectus femoris, and psoas minor also assist with flexion of the thigh at the hip.
2. Assists with external rotation of the thigh at the hip
Agonists:
- Obturator internus
- Obturator externus
- Gemellus superior
- Gemellus inferior
- Quadratus femoris
Antagonists:
- Tensor fascia latae
- Gluteus medius (anterior fibers)
- Gluteus minimus (anterior fibers)
Piriformis and gluteus maximus also assist with external rotation of the thigh at the hip.
3. Assists with abduction of the thigh at the hip
Agonists:
- Gluteus maximus (upper fibers)
- Gluteus medius
- Gluteus minimus
Antagonists:
- Adductor longus
- Adductor brevis
- Adductor magnus (anterior part)
Tensor fasciae latae also assists with abduction of the thigh at the hip.
4. Assists with flexion of the knee
Agonists:
- Biceps femoris
- Semitendinosus
- Semimembranosus (upper fibers)
Antagonists:
- Vastus lateralis
- Vastus medialis
- Vastus intermedius
- Rectus femoris
Gracilis, popliteus, gastrocnemius, and plantaris also assist with flexion of the knee.
5. Assists with internal rotation of the knee when the knee is flexed
Agonists:
- Popliteus
- Semitendinosus
- Semimembranosus
Antagonists:
- Biceps femoris
Gracilis also assists with internal rotation of the knee when the knee is flexed.
Muscle Pain Information: The sartorius muscle contributes to burning and stinging sensations in the front of the thigh going down into the inside of the knee.
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