The articularis genus (subcrureus) 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,[1] deep to the vastus intermedius,[2] close to the knee and from the deep fibers of the vastus intermedius.[1]
Its insertion is on the synovial membrane of the knee-joint.[1]
Blood supply
It is supplied by the lateral femoral circumflex artery.[1]
Innervation
It is innervated by branches of the femoral nerve (L2-L4).[1]
Variation
Flat, wispy and highly variable,[3] sometimes consisting of several separate muscular bundles,[4] this muscle is without a distinct investing fascia and ranges 1.5–3 cm in width.[3]
It is usually distinct from the vastus intermedius, but occasionally blended with it.[4][needs update]
Function
Articularis genus pulls the suprapatellar bursa superiorly during extension of the knee,[2] and prevents impingement of the synovial membrane between the patella and the femur.[1]
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