Pes anserinus (leg)
Pes anserinus ("goose foot") refers to the conjoined tendons of three muscles that insert onto the anteromedial (front and inside) surface of the proximal extremity of the tibia. The muscles are the sartorius, gracilis and semitendinosus sometimes referred to as the guy ropes. The name, "goose foot", arises from the three pronged manner in which the conjoined tendon inserts onto the tibia.
Structure
The three tendons, from front to back, that conjoin to form the pes anserinus come from the sartorius, gracilis and semitendinosus muscles.
The pes anserinus lies superficial to the tibial insertion of the medial collateral ligament of the knee.
Clinical significance
It is a cause of chronic knee pain and weakness ("pes anserine bursitis"). Pes bursitis is a condition in which the medial portion of the knee is inflamed. If the bursa underlying the tendons of the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus gets irritated from overuse or injury a person can develop this ailment. This condition usually occurs in athletes from overuse. This pathology is characterized by pain, swelling, and tenderness.
Pes anserinus
Pes anserinus ("goose's foot") refers to two anatomical structures:
Parotid plexus
The parotid plexus or pes anserinus ("goose's foot") is the branch point of the facial nerve (extratemporal) after it leaves the stylomastoid foramen.
This division takes place within the parotid gland.
Commonly, it divides into the temporozygomatic and cervicofacial branches (several variations).
