What are the main muscles in the anterior compartment of the thigh?

The anterior thigh contains three major muscle groups: the quadriceps femoris (a four-headed knee extensor), the sartorius (the longest muscle, crossing the thigh obliquely), and the tensor fasciae latae (a gluteal-origin muscle acting on the hip and knee).

What is the function of the quadriceps femoris?

The quadriceps femoris is the chief extensor of the knee joint. It plays a key role in activities like walking, running, and rising from a seated position.

Why is the sartorius considered unique?

The sartorius is the longest muscle in the body and crosses both the hip and knee joints obliquely. Its actions include flexing the hip and knee, adducting, and laterally rotating the thigh, as in sitting cross-legged.

What nerve innervates the anterior thigh muscles?

Most anterior thigh muscles are innervated by the femoral nerve. For example, the quadriceps and sartorius receive femoral nerve branches, while the tensor fasciae latae is innervated by the superior gluteal nerve.

What is the role of the tensor fasciae latae?

The tensor fasciae latae abducts the hip and helps maintain knee extension through its insertion into the iliotibial tract. Despite its location, it is innervated by a gluteal nerve.

How do the anterior thigh muscles contribute to movement?

These muscles are vital for knee extension (via the quadriceps) and hip flexion (via muscles like the sartorius and rectus femoris). They support walking, running, and posture maintenance.

What are the four heads of the quadriceps femoris?

The quadriceps femoris consists of four heads: rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius. All work together to extend the knee.

Anterior Thigh Muscles – Quadriceps & Sartorius

❓ Frequently Asked Questions