Muscles of the Anterior Thigh / Basic Leg Muscle Knowledge Flashcards
What are the muscles of the anterior thigh innervated by?
The femoral nerve
What is the nerve root of the femoral nerve?
L2-L4
What is the general rule of function of the anterior muscles of the thigh?
To extend the leg at the knee joint
What are the three major muscles of the anterior thigh?
- Pectineus 2. Sartorius 3. Quadriceps femoris
What two muscles make up the iliopsoas?
- Psoas major 2. Iliacus
Origin of the psoas major
Lumbar vertebrae
Origin of the iliacus
Iliac fossa of the pelvis
Insertion of the psoas major and iliacus (iliopsoas)
They insert together into the lesser trochanter of the femur
Action of the iliopsoas
Flexes the thigh at the hip joint
Innervation of the psoas major
Anterior rami of L1-L3
Innervation of the iliacus
Femoral nerve
How many muscles make up the quadriceps femoris?
4 - 3 vastus muscles and rectus femoris
What are the three vastus muscles that are in the quadriceps?
- Vastus lateralis 2. Vastus intermedius 3. Vastus medialis
Origin of vastus lateralis
Greater trochanter and lateral lip of Linea aspera
Action of vastus muscles
Extend the knee joint and stabilise the patella
Innervation of the vastus muscles
Femoral nerve
Origin of the rectus femoris
Anterior inferior iliac spine and area of ilium superior to acetabulum
Attachment of rectus femoris
Attaches to the patella via the quadriceps femoris tendon
Action of rectus femoris
Crosses both the hip and knee joints to flex the thigh at the hip joint, and extends at the knee joint
Innervation of rectus femoris
Femoral nerve
Origin of sartorius
Anterior superior iliac spine
Insertion of sartorius
Superior, medial surface of the tibia
Action of sartorius
Flexor, abductor and lateral rotator at the hip joint as well as flexor of the knee joint
Innervation of sartorius
Femoral nerve
