Sartorius
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The longest muscle in the body; a 2-joint hip flexor and adductor that also flexes and laterally rotates the knee.
Detail
The sartorius is the longest muscle of the body and a 2-joint muscle. Its name comes from the Latin "sartor," meaning "tailor." It is a hip flexor and adductor as well as a knee flexor and lateral rotator. It is given as an example of a fusiform muscle, which produces a small force of contraction because of its small cross-section but allows for speed of contraction. (Sartorius and gracilis are also noted as weak knee flexors.)
Key facts
- Longest muscle in the body; 2-joint muscle.
- "Sartorius" = Latin "sartor" = tailor.
- Functions: hip flexor and adductor; knee flexor and lateral rotator.
- A fusiform muscle (small cross-section, small force, speed of contraction).
Connections
- Hip Flexors — a primary hip flexor.
- Muscle Fiber Arrangements (Penniform vs. Fusiform) — example of a fusiform muscle.
Sources
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