The gracilis muscle is a long, slender muscle located in the medial aspect of the thigh. It is one of the main muscles responsible for adduction, or movement of the leg towards the midline of the body, as well as providing stability to the hip and knee joints. The gracilis muscle originates at the pubic bone, a bony landmark at the front of the pelvis, and then inserts at the tibia, the larger of the two bones in the lower leg.

In terms of function, the gracilis muscle is one of the primary muscles responsible for adducting the hip joint. This movement is important for activities such as walking, and running as it helps to keep the legs from spreading outwards and allows the leg to swing inwards and clear the ground. The gracilis muscle also plays a role in providing stability to the hip and knee joints, which is important for maintaining balance and preventing falls.

The gracilis muscle is active whenever we stand, walk, or perform any other activity that involves adduction of the hip joint. It is also used when we climb stairs, rise from a seated position, or perform movements that require stability of the hip and knee joints, such as standing on one leg or performing single-leg exercises.