The anterior compartment of the thigh is also known as the extensor compartment, as the majority of the muscles work to extend the knee. It is the largest compartment, and all of the muscles are innervated by the femoral nerve.
It consists of:
- Sartorius
- Pectineus
- Iliopsoas
- Quadriceps femoris
Sartorius muscle
The sartorius muscle is the longest muscle in the body, spanning between the pelvis and the leg, coursing superficially, obliquely from lateral to medial across the anterior aspect of the thigh.
- Originates from the anterior superior iliac spine and descends medially, crossing towards the inner thigh.
- It inserts on the medial side of the upper tibia.
- It acts across two joints, which allows it to flex both the hip and the knee, as well