Step 9: Inner Thigh Muscles

Below is the Vastus Medialis which originates from the femur. 

Helpful Hint: Make sure you don't get confused between the Vastus medialis and the Vastus lateralis! Remember you can only see the Vastus medialis from the Medial view. Same for the Vastus lateralis.

Vastus medialis

Here is the Rectus femoris again, shown from the Medial view. Click here to look at Step 8 for more information on this muscle.

Rectus femoris, Medial view

Next to the Vastus medialis is the Sartorius. This thin muscle can be hard to isolate. We suggest reflecting the Gracilis before, although it is not crucial. Look below for information about the Gracilis.

Arrows pointing to Sartorius when the Gracilis is
 reflected and unreflected 

The Gracilis is a superficial muscle in the inner thigh. It originates from the ventral surface of the pubis and inserts on the proximal third of the tibia. This muscle has to be reflected in order to identify deeper muscles.

Gracilis 

The Semimembranosus is deeper than the Gracilis and more easily identified once the Gracilis is reflected. This muscle originates from the pelvis and helps with flexing the knee joint.

Semimembranosus

The Adductor magnus can only be isolated when the Gracilis is reflected. It originates from the ventral surface of the pubis and inserts in the femur, along much of its medial side. 

Helpful Hint: The Adductor magnus can often be mistaken for the Pectineus muscle as well, however there is a small break between the two muscles. Be careful not to confuse these two!

Adductor magnus to the left, Pectineus mucle to the right

The Semitendinosus can be seen from both the Lateral and Medial views of the thigh. It is very thick and  inserts in the tibia.

Arrow pointing to Semitendinosus from Medial view

Here is a video of the thigh from the Medial view.