Gracilis

Gracilis is a thin, flat muscle on the medial side of the thigh. It is the most superficial muscle on the medial side of the thigh, and is responsible for hip adduction and knee flexion.

Anatomy

The Gracilis muscle originates from the anterior margin of the pubis bone, just inferior to the pubic symphysis. It inserts on the superior part of the medial surface of the tibia, along with the semitendinosus and sartorius muscles. The three muscles together form the pes anserinus, or "goose's foot".

Function

The primary functions of the Gracilis muscle are hip adduction and knee flexion. It also helps to medially rotate the knee. When the knee is flexed, the gracilis muscle can also help to medially rotate the hip.

Clinical significance

Injury to the Gracilis muscle can result in pain and difficulty in adducting the hip or flexing the knee. It can also be used in reconstructive surgery, such as in a Gracilis flap procedure.

See also

• Adductor muscles of the hip
• Sartorius muscle
• Semitendinosus muscle
• Gracilis flap