Musculus sartorius

Musculus Sartorius

The Musculus Sartorius is the longest muscle in the human body. It is a long, thin, band-like muscle found in the anterior compartment of the thigh. The muscle is named after the Latin word "sartor", which means tailor, due to the cross-legged position in which tailors once sat.

Anatomy

The Musculus Sartorius originates from the anterior superior iliac spine, a bony projection of the pelvic bone. It runs obliquely across the upper and middle compartments of the thigh, to insert into the medial side of the upper tibia, a bone in the lower leg. This course is the longest of any muscle in the human body.

Function

The Musculus Sartorius serves to flex, abduct, and laterally rotate the hip joint. At the knee joint, it serves to flex and medially rotate. This allows for actions such as crossing the legs, or the "tailor's position".

Clinical Significance

Due to its long course, the Musculus Sartorius can be involved in several injuries and conditions. Strains and tears can occur as a result of overuse or trauma. In addition, conditions such as Meralgia Paresthetica, a neurological condition causing numbness or pain in the outer thigh, can be related to the Musculus Sartorius.

See Also

• Thigh
• Hip joint
• Knee joint
• Meralgia Paresthetica