L3 Nerve Root (L3)

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

Innervation

Peripheral Nerves Originating From L3
Nerve	Roots	Motor Innervation	Cutaneous Innervation
Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of the Thigh	L2, L3
Obturator N.	L2, L3, L4
Femoral N.	L2, L3, L4

Femoral nerve

Femoral nerve L3 innervations

Quadriceps

Muscle Innervation

Motor Innervation

Examination

Deep Tendon Reflex

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

References

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

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

Citation

For attribution, please cite this work as:

Yomogida N, Kerstein C. L3 Nerve Root (L3). https://yomokerst.com/The Archive/Anatomy/Nerve Roots/L3_nerve_root.html

L3 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]
Obturator externus	Outer surface of Obturator membrane¹ Adjacent bony boundaries¹ [Outer surface of Obturator membrane](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/obturator_externus.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [Adjacent bony boundaries](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/obturator_externus.qmd#origin) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Trochanteric Fossa¹ [Trochanteric Fossa](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/obturator_externus.qmd#insertion) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Obturator n.¹ L3 - L4¹ [Obturator n.](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/obturator_externus.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [L3](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/obturator_externus.qmd#nerve) - [L4](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/obturator_externus.qmd#nerve) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020]	Hip [Adduction](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/obturator_externus.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] [ER](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/obturator_externus.qmd#action) [@gilroyAtlasAnatomy2020] Pelvis [Sagittal Stabilization](/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/obturator_externus.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
Obturator Externus	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/obturator_externus.html#origin	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/obturator_externus.html#insertion	?var:ref-obturator-externus.nerve	/The Archive/Anatomy/Skeletal Muscles/Lower limb muscles/Thigh Muscles/Medial Thigh Muscles/obturator_externus.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