GENERAL INFORMATION
The Articularis Genu is a small muscle located in the anterior compartment of the thigh. It is part of the quadriceps femoris muscle group and controls the movement and tension of the synovial membrane within the knee joint.
ORIGIN
This muscle originates from the inferior part of the anterior surface of the femur, specifically from the lower part of the intertrochanteric line.
INSERTION POINT
The muscle inserts onto the suprapatellar bursa as well as the synovial membrane of the knee joint.
MAJOR ARTERIES
The muscle is supplied with blood by branches of the femoral artery, the main artery of the thigh.
NEURAL INNERVATION
Articularis Genu is innervated by branches of the femoral nerve, which arises from the lumbar plexus (specifically the L2-L4 nerve roots).
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points may develop due to muscle tension, overuse, or injury. These trigger points can cause localised pain as well as discomfort.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
Articularis Genu does not directly contribute to joint movement. Instead, it functions to tense the synovial membrane and decrease excess slack when the knee joint is extended.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
Articularis Genu does not have a significant eccentric function.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
The primary function of Articularis Genu is isometric, as it contracts to stabilise the synovial membrane during knee extension.
RELATED MUSCLE-SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Articularis Genu: Also known as the “knee joint muscle.”
ANTAGONIST
- Articularis Genu: Works in coordination with the quadriceps femoris muscles during knee extension.
COMMON INJURIES
- Ligament sprains: Overstretching or tearing of the knee ligaments can indirectly affect Articularis Genu.
- Meniscus tears: Damage to the knee’s cartilage can cause secondary issues in Articularis Genu.
- Patellar tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone, indirectly impacting Articularis Genu.
EXERCISES
- Squats: A compound exercise targeting overall knee strength.
- Lunges: Engage the quadriceps and improve knee stability.
- Leg extensions: Focus specifically on strengthening the quadriceps.
- Leg presses: Work the quadriceps and other lower body muscles to support the knee.
- Step-ups: Strengthen the quadriceps and stabilise the knee joint.
STRETCHES
- Standing quadriceps stretch: Stand upright and pull one foot towards the buttocks to stretch the quadriceps.
- Lying quadriceps stretch: Lie on the stomach and pull one foot towards the buttocks.
- Sartorius stretch: Sit with one leg extended and the other leg crossed over, pulling the knee towards the opposite shoulder.
- Hip flexor stretches: Improve flexibility in the hip flexors, indirectly benefiting the knee.
- Lunges: Perform lunges to stretch and strengthen the quadriceps as well as hip flexors.