Summary of muscles of the lower limb

Iliopsoas Action: Flexion of hip. Anterior pelvic tilt (iliacus)

Origin: Psoas – bodies and transverse processes T12 –
L5 and intervertebral discs. Iliacus – iliac fossa

Insertion: Lesser trochanter

Innervation: Psoas – L1, L2, L3. Iliacus – femoral nerve
(L2, L3, L4)


Sartorius Action: Flexion, adduction and external rotation of
thigh, knee flexion

Origin: Anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)

Insertion: Medial tibia inferior and medial to tibial
tuberosity

Innervation: Femoral nerve


Rectus Femoris Action: Flexion of hip, extension of knee (kicking)

Origin: Straight head – inferior iliac spine. Reflected
head – superior to acetabulum

Insertion: Patella

Innervation: Femoral nerve



Vastus Lateralis Action: Knee extension

Origin: Lateral intertrochanteric line, greater
trochanter, gluteal tuberosity, linea aspera

Insertion: Patella

Innervation: Femoral nerve

, Vastus Medialis Oblique Action: Knee extension

Origin: Medial intertrochanteric line, linea aspera,
medial supracondylar line

Insertion: Patella

Innervation: Femoral nerve




Vastus Intermedius Action: Knee extension

Origin: Upper anterior and lateral femur

Insertion: Patella

Innervation: Femoral nerve




Tensor Action: Hip abduction

Fascia Lata Origin: Anterior iliac crest, ASIS, deep surface of fascia
lata

Insertion: ITB junction of upper and middle thirds

Innervation: Gluteal nerve (L5/S1)



Gracilis Action: Adducts, medially (internally) rotates thigh, and
flexes the knee

Origin: Body of pubis, ischiopubic (inferior) ramus

Insertion: Medial proximal shaft of tibia

Innervation: Obturator nerve (L2, L3, L4)



Pectineus Action: Adducts, medially rotates, and flexes the thigh

Origin: Superior ramus of pubis (pectineal line)

Insertion: Femur (pectineal line)

Innervation: Obturator / Femoral nerve