Anatomy of Gracilis Muscle

Courtesy: Prof Nabil Ebraheim, University of Toledo, Ohio, USA

GRACILIS MUSCLE ANATOMY

• It is the most superficial muscle on the medial side of thigh
• The tendon of gracilis muscle is easily palpable in the inguinal region together with adductor longus muscle.
• Medial side of the thigh contains the adductor group of muscles which help in crossing of the legs and balances the pelvis while standing and walking.
• It is the only muscle that crosses 2 joints. It provides a reliable flap for coverage. Most common donor muscle for free muscle transfer procedure.
• Origin : outer surface of ischiopubic ramus.
• Insertion: Upper medial part of tibial shaft below the sartorius muscle. The area is called Pes Ansérines.
• It is the only muscle of the medial aspect of the adductors of thigh that doesn’t insert into the line aspera of femur.
• Innervation: Anterior branch of the obturator nerve
• Arises from the lumbar plexus L2, L3, L4.
• It passes through the obturator foramen to reach the adductor muscles.
• Function : adducts the hip, flexes and internally rotates the knee.