L2 Nerve Root (L2)

Authors

Affiliations

Nathaniel Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Supply

Peripheral Nerves originating from L2 Nerve Root

Nerve	Roots	Motor Innervation	Cutaneous Innervation
Genitofemoral Nerve	L1, L2
Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of the Thigh	L2, L3
Obturator N.	L2, L3, L4
Femoral N.	L2, L3, L4

Femoral nerve

Femoral nerve L2 innervations

• Quadriceps
  • Rectus Femoris¹
  • Vastus lateralis¹
  • Vastus intermedius¹
  • Vastus medialis¹
  • Articularis Genus¹

Motor Innervation

L2 Nerve Root Skeletal Muscle Innervations
Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Innervation	Action
Adductor brevis	Inferior pubic ramus1 [Inferior pubic ramus](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_brevis.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Linea aspera1 [Linea aspera](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_brevis.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Obturator n.1 L2 - L31 [Obturator n.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_brevis.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [L2](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_brevis.qmd#nerve) - [L3](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_brevis.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Hip [Adduction](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_brevis.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Flexion](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_brevis.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Extension](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_brevis.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Pelvis [Frontal stabilization](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_brevis.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Sagittal stabilization](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_brevis.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Adductor Longus	Superior pubis ramus1 Anterior side of Pubic Symphysis1 [Superior pubis ramus](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_longus.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Anterior side of Pubic Symphysis](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_longus.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Linea aspera1 [Linea aspera](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_longus.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Obturator n.1 L2 - L41 [Obturator n.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_longus.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [L2](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_longus.qmd#nerve) - [L4](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_longus.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Hip [Adduction](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_longus.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Flexion](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_longus.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Extension](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_longus.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Pelvis [Frontal plane stabilization](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_longus.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Sagittal plane stabilization](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_longus.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Adductor Magnus	Inferior pubic ramus1 Ischial ramus1 Ischial tuberosity1 [Inferior pubic ramus](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_magnus.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Ischial ramus](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_magnus.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Ischial tuberosity](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_magnus.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Medial lip of Linea aspera1 Adductor tubercle1 [Medial lip of Linea aspera](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_magnus.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Adductor tubercle](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_magnus.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Obturator n.1 Tibial n.1 L2 - L41 [Obturator n.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_magnus.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Tibial n.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_magnus.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [L2](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_magnus.qmd#nerve) - [L4](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_magnus.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Hip [Adduction](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_magnus.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Flexion](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_magnus.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Extension](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_magnus.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [IR](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_magnus.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Pelvis [Frontal stabilization](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_magnus.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Sagittal stabilization](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_magnus.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Articular genus	Anterior Femoral shaft1 [Anterior Femoral shaft](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/articularis_genus.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Suprapatellar recess of knee joint capsule1 [Suprapatellar recess of knee joint capsule](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/articularis_genus.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Femoral n.1 L2 - L41 [Femoral n.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/articularis_genus.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [L2](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/articularis_genus.qmd#nerve) - [L4](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/articularis_genus.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Knee [Extension](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/articularis_genus.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Knee Jt. Capsule [Retraction of the suprapatellar bursa to prevent entrapment](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/articularis_genus.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Gracilis	Inferior pubic ramus1 [Inferior pubic ramus](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/gracilis_muscle.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Pes anserine1 [Pes anserine](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/gracilis_muscle.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Obturator n.1 L2 - L31 [Obturator n.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/gracilis_muscle.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [L2](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/gracilis_muscle.qmd#nerve) - [L3](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/gracilis_muscle.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Hip [Adduction](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/gracilis_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Flexion](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/gracilis_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Knee [Flexion](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/gracilis_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [IR](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/gracilis_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Iliacus	Iliac Fossa1 [Iliac Fossa](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/iliacus_muscle.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Lesser Trochanter1 [Lesser Trochanter](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/iliacus_muscle.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Femoral n.1 L2 - L31 [Femoral n.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/iliacus_muscle.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [L2](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/iliacus_muscle.qmd#nerve) - [L3](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/iliacus_muscle.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Hip [Flexion](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/iliacus_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [ER](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/iliacus_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] L/S (BIL contraction) [Raises trunk from supine position](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/iliacus_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] L/S (UNIL contraction on fixed femur) [I/L spine sidebend](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/iliacus_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Pectineus	Pecten pubis1 [Pecten pubis](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/pectineus_muscle.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Pectineal line1 Proximal linea aspera1 [Pectineal line](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/pectineus_muscle.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Proximal linea aspera](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/pectineus_muscle.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Femoral n.1 Obturator n.1 L2 - L31 [Femoral n.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/pectineus_muscle.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Obturator n.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/pectineus_muscle.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [L2](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/pectineus_muscle.qmd#nerve) - [L3](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/pectineus_muscle.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Hip [ER](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/pectineus_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Adduction](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/pectineus_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [slight Flexion](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/pectineus_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Pelvis [Frontal plane stabilization](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/pectineus_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Sagittal plane stabilization](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/pectineus_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Psoas Major	T12-L4 and associated IV discs1 L1-L5 TP2 [T12-L4 and associated IV discs](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_major_muscle.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [L1-L5 TP](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_major_muscle.qmd#origin) [@bogdukAnatomyBiomechanicsPsoas1992]	Lesser Trochanter1 [Lesser Trochanter](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_major_muscle.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Lumbar Plexus Direct Br.1 L1 - L31 [Lumbar Plexus Direct Br.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_major_muscle.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [L1](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_major_muscle.qmd#nerve) - [L3](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_major_muscle.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Hip [Flexion](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_major_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [ER](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_major_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] L/S (bilateral contraction) [Raises trunk from supine position](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_major_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] L/S (unilateral contraction with femur fixed) [I/L spine sidebend](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_major_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Psoas Minor	T12, L1 vertebrae (lateral aspect) and IVD1 [T12, L1 vertebrae (lateral aspect) and IVD](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_minor_muscle.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Pectineal Line1 Iliopubic ramus1 Iliac fascia1 Inguinal ligament1 [Pectineal Line](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_minor_muscle.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Iliopubic ramus](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_minor_muscle.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Iliac fascia](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_minor_muscle.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Inguinal ligament](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_minor_muscle.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Spinal nn.1 L1 - L31 [Spinal nn.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_minor_muscle.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [L1](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_minor_muscle.qmd#nerve) - [L3](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_minor_muscle.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Trunk [Weak flexion](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_minor_muscle.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Rectus femoris	AIIS1 Acetabular roof1 [AIIS](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/rectus_femoris.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Acetabular roof](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/rectus_femoris.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Tibial tuberosity via Patellar ligament1 [Tibial tuberosity via Patellar ligament](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/rectus_femoris.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Femoral n.1 L2 - L41 [Femoral n.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/rectus_femoris.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [L2](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/rectus_femoris.qmd#nerve) - [L4](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/rectus_femoris.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Hip [Flexion](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/rectus_femoris.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Knee [Extension](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/rectus_femoris.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Sartorius	ASIS1 [ASIS](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/sartorius.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Pes anserine1 [Pes anserine](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/sartorius.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Femoral n.1 L2 - L31 [Femoral n.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/sartorius.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [L2](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/sartorius.qmd#nerve) - [L3](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/sartorius.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Hip [Flexion](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/sartorius.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [ER](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/sartorius.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Abduction](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/sartorius.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Knee [Flexion](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/sartorius.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [IR](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/sartorius.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Vastus intermedius	Anterior Femoral shaft1 [Anterior Femoral shaft](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_intermedius.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Tibial tuberosity via Patellar ligament1 [Tibial tuberosity via Patellar ligament](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_intermedius.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Femoral n.1 L2 - L41 [Femoral n.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_intermedius.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [L2](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_intermedius.qmd#nerve) - [L4](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_intermedius.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Knee [Extension](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_intermedius.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Vastus lateralis	Lateral lip of Linea aspera1 Lateral surface of Greater trochanter1 [Lateral lip of Linea aspera](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_lateralis.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Lateral surface of Greater trochanter](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_lateralis.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Tibial tuberosity via Patellar ligament1 Tibial tuberosity and patella via Patellar retinacula1 [Tibial tuberosity via Patellar ligament](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_lateralis.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Tibial tuberosity and patella via Patellar retinacula](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_lateralis.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Femoral n.1 L2 - L41 [Femoral n.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_lateralis.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [L2](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_lateralis.qmd#nerve) - [L4](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_lateralis.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Knee [Extension](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_lateralis.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]
Vastus medialis	Linea aspera1 Intertrochanteric line1 [Linea aspera](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_medialis.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Intertrochanteric line](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_medialis.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Tibial tuberosity via Patellar ligament1 Tibial tuberosity and patella via Patellar retinacula1 [Tibial tuberosity via Patellar ligament](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_medialis.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Tibial tuberosity and patella via Patellar retinacula](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_medialis.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Femoral n.1 L2 - L41 [Femoral n.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_medialis.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [L2](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_medialis.qmd#nerve) - [L4](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_medialis.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Knee [Extension](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_medialis.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]

Muscle	Origin	Insertion	Nerve	Action
Psoas Major	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_major_muscle.html#origin	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_major_muscle.html#insertion	?var:ref-psoas-major.nerve	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_major_muscle.html#action
Psoas Minor	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_minor_muscle.html#origin	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_minor_muscle.html#insertion	?var:ref-psoas-minor.nerve	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/psoas_minor_muscle.html#action
Iliacus	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/iliacus_muscle.html#origin	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/iliacus_muscle.html#insertion	?var:ref-iliacus.nerve	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Iliopsoas muscles/iliacus_muscle.html#action
Pectineus	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/pectineus_muscle.html#origin	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/pectineus_muscle.html#insertion	?var:ref-pectineus.nerve	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/pectineus_muscle.html#action
Gracilis	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/gracilis_muscle.html#origin	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/gracilis_muscle.html#insertion	?var:ref-gracilis.nerve	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/gracilis_muscle.html#action
Adductor Longus	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_longus.html#origin	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_longus.html#insertion	?var:ref-adductor-longus.nerve	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_longus.html#action
Adductor Brevis	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_brevis.html#origin	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_brevis.html#insertion	?var:ref-adductor-brevis.nerve	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_brevis.html#action
Adductor Magnus	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_magnus.html#origin	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_magnus.html#insertion	?var:ref-adductor-magnus.nerve	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/adductor_magnus.html#action
Sartorius	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/sartorius.html#origin	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/sartorius.html#insertion	?var:ref-sartorius.nerve	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/sartorius.html#action
Rectus Femoris	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/rectus_femoris.html#origin	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/rectus_femoris.html#insertion	?var:ref-rectus-femoris.nerve	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/rectus_femoris.html#action
Vastus Medialis	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_medialis.html#origin	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_medialis.html#insertion	?var:ref-vastus-medialis.nerve	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_medialis.html#action
Vastus Lateralis	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_lateralis.html#origin	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_lateralis.html#insertion	?var:ref-vastus-lateralis.nerve	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_lateralis.html#action
Vastus Intermedius	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_intermedius.html#origin	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_intermedius.html#insertion	?var:ref-vastus-intermedius.nerve	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/vastus_intermedius.html#action
Articularis Genus	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/articularis_genus.html#origin	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/articularis_genus.html#insertion	?var:ref-articularis-genus.nerve	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Anterior Thigh Muscles/articularis_genus.html#action

Examination

Deep Tendon Reflex

• Patella reflex (L2, L3, L4, but predominantly L4)

References

1.

Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.

2.

Bogduk N, Pearcy M, Hadfield G. Anatomy and biomechanics of psoas major. Clinical Biomechanics. 1992;7(2):109-119. doi:10.1016/0268-0033(92)90024-X