What muscles form the pes anserinus?

A Muscle A Day – medial thigh

These muscles attach to the medial side of the tibia in the shape of a ‘goose’s foot’ to form the pes anserinus (Pes anserine means goose foot).

medial view of the knee

Pes anserinus includes:

• Sartorius

• Gracilis

• Semitendinosus

Have a look at this anatomy paper if you want to see cadaver images of the pes anserinus and the knee – here.

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Palpation guide:

Here is a handy little palpation guide for remembering the muscle attachments behind the knee.

Place hands behind knees.

image: Ortho notes p. 231 (see reference below)

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Reference:

• Ortho Notes: Clinical Examination Pocket Guide

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