Pes Anserine

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

Note

“Goose’s Foot” in latin

Pes anserine refers to the complex made up of the combined tendons of semitendinosus, gracilis, and sartorius.

Muscular Attachment

• Semitendinosus
• Gracilis
• Sartorius

Function

“As a group the “pes muscles” are effective internal rotators of the knee. Connective tissues hold the tendons of the pes group just posterior to the medial-lateral axis of rotation of the knee. The three pes muscles therefore flex as well as internally rotate the knee.”¹

“Along with the MCL and posteriormedial capsule, active tension in the pes muscles resists knee external rotation and valgus loads applied to the knee”¹

Dysfunction

• Pes Anserine Bursitis

References

1.

Neumann DA, Kelly ER, Kiefer CL, Martens K, Grosz CM. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2017.