Articularis genus muscle
Musculus articularis genus
- Synonym: Articular muscle of knee
- Related terms: Articularis genus; Articular muscle of knee
Definition
Articularis genus muscle (Muscle group: Anterior compartment of thigh) | |
Origin | Anterior surface of distal femur (below vastus intermedius) |
Insertion | Suprapatellar bursa |
Artery | Femoral artery |
Innervation | Femoral nerve (L2, L3, L4) - via a branch of vastus intermedius |
Action | Pulling the suprapatellar bursa during extension of the knee. |
The articularis genus is a small, flat muscle located deep to the vastus intermedius in the anterior thigh. It is often considered part of the quadriceps femoris complex and plays a supportive mechanical role at the knee joint, particularly involving the suprapatellar bursa.
Origin
Anterior surface of the distal femur, just superior to the patella (typically from the lower one-fourth of the shaft).
Insertion
Synovial membrane of the knee joint and the wall of the suprapatellar bursa.
Action
Retracts the suprapatellar bursa and synovial membrane during knee extension, preventing them from being pinched between the femur and patella.
Functionally, it acts as a protective stabilizer for the anterior knee joint capsule.
References
Grob K, Gilbey H, Manestar M, Ackland T, Kuster MS. The Anatomy of the Articularis Genus Muscle and Its Relation to the Extensor Apparatus of the Knee. JB JS Open Access. 2017 Nov 28;2(4):e0034.
