The articularis genus (also known as the subcrureus muscle[1]) is a small skeletal muscle located anteriorly on the thigh just above the knee.

Structure

It arises from the anterior surface of the lower part of the body of the femur,[2] deep to the vastus intermedius,[3] close to the knee and from the deep fibers of the vastus intermedius.[2]

Its insertion is on the synovial membrane of the knee-joint.[2]

Blood supply

It is supplied by the lateral femoral circumflex artery.[2]

Innervation

It is innervated by branches of the femoral nerve (L2-L4).[2]

Variation

Flat, wispy and highly variable,[4] sometimes consisting of several separate muscular bundles,[5] this muscle is without a distinct investing fascia and ranges 1.5–3 cm in width.[4]

It is usually distinct from the vastus intermedius, but occasionally blended with it.[5][needs update]

Function

Articularis genus pulls the suprapatellar bursa superiorly during extension of the knee,[3] and prevents impingement of the synovial membrane between the patella and the femur.[2]

References

Public domain This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 471 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

  1. ^ Toldt, C.; Dalla, R. A.; Paul, E. (1903). "606. Adductor magnus muscle. Obturator externus muscle. Subcrureus muscle". Creighton University. hdl:10504/17086. Retrieved 23 February 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Thigh to Foot Musculature". PT Central. Archived from the original on 15 July 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-17.
  3. ^ a b Agur, A. M. R.; Dalley, Arthur F. (2009). Grant's atlas of anatomy. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 414. ISBN 9780781770552. Retrieved 2010-08-17.
  4. ^ a b B Reider; JL Marshall; B Koslin; B Ring; FG Girgis (1981). "The anterior aspect of the knee joint" (PDF). The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1981;63:351-356. 63 (3): 351–6. doi:10.2106/00004623-198163030-00004. PMID 7204430. Retrieved 2010-08-17.[permanent dead link]
  5. ^ a b Gray, Henry (1918). "The Muscles and Fasciæ of the Thigh". Yahoo Education. Archived from the original on 2009-12-22. Retrieved 2010-08-17.

External links

  • Farshchian's Orthopedic Regenerative Series: The Knee; Articularis Genus (very clear illustration)