Origin
Anterior superior iliac spine and area immediately below it
Insertion
Upper part of medial surface of shaft of tibia
Actions
Flexes, abducts, and laterally rotates thigh, flexes and slightly medially rotates leg at knee joint after flexion
Nerve
Femoral nerve (L2, L3)
Note
Insertions of sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus fuse on the medial tibia; these tendons, called the pes anserinus (goose foot), give medial support to the knee.This muscle is used to bring swinging leg forward in walking and running.
In Applied Kinesiology it is related to PC (Pericardium Channel – Shou Jue Yin), while in Energy Kinesiology is considered related to TH (Triple Heater Channel – Shou Shao Yang).