Pes Anserine

Description

Illustration of the pes anserinus

Drawing of the medial knee including the pes anserine bursa

Names

• Pes Anserine
• Pes Anserinus
• Goose's Foot

General

• "Pes Anserine" comes from the Latin referring to “goose’s foot”
• Multilayer complex which lies on the inferomedial aspect of the knee

Insertion point for tendons of:

• Semitendinosus
• Gracilis
• Sartorius

Gross Anatomy

• Superficial: Sartorius is superior
• Deep: Gracilis and Semitendinosus partially overlap inferiorly
• Tendons conjoin along the medial side of Tibia
• Located superficial to the Medial Collateral Ligament
• Combined width of tendons is 4.5 cm
• The saphenous nerve descends along the medial knee behind sartorius

Pes Anserine Bursa

• Lays between the tibia ante the tendon structures
• Acts as a buffer or cushion which allows the pes anserine to glide over the tibia and MCL

Actions

• Main function
  • Flex, adduct and internally rotate the hip
  • Functions as a secondary knee flexor
• Other
  • It secretes synovial fluid in order to reduce friction between tissues
  • Works as a cushion for bones, tendons and muscles

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Clinical Significance

• Pes Anserine Bursitis
• Pes Anserine Bursa Injection

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See Also

• Knee Pain (Main)
• Knee Anatomy (Main)

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