sartorius

Meanings

1. A long, slender muscle that runs from the iliac crest along the anterior and medial aspects of the thigh to the proximal tibia, superficial to the quadriceps musculature; the longest muscle in the human body.

1. A surname.

Etymology

From Latin sartor (“tailor, mender”) + -ius. The connection with this occupation follows from the fact that tailors typically worked in a seated position with fabric spread out in their lap, resting the ankle of one lower leg on the opposite knee for support. The sartorius muscle is important to maintaining this posture.