Muscles That Move the Femur
OC2 / Lab Objectives
Tensor fasciae latae m.
Action: Flexion of femur / Abduction of femur / Medial rotation of femur / Stabilizes
knee in full extension
Origin: Ilium (crest and anterior superior iliac spine)
Insertion: Iliotibial tract
Innervation: Superior gluteal nerve
Iliotibial tract
Location: Thigh (lateral)
Description: Thickened lateral part of deep fascia of thigh (fascia lata) / Attached to iliac
crest (proximal) and lateral tibial condyle (distal)
Comment: • Provides attachment for tensor fasciae latae and gluteus maximus muscles /
Helps maintain knee in full extension, especially while standing
Gluteus maximus m.
Action: Extension of thigh / Lateral rotation of thigh / Abduction of thigh
Origin: Ilium (ala) / Sacrum / Coccyx
Insertion: Iliotibial tract / Femur (gluteal tuberosity) /
Innervation: Inferior gluteal nerve
Comment: Important for powerful extension of femur (running, climbing stairs, rising
from seated position) / Not important in walking
Adductor longus m.
Action: Adduction of thigh
Origin: Pubis (body and inferior ramus)
Insertion: Femur (linea aspera)
Innervation: Obturator nerve
Comment: Often involved in "pulled groin"
Iliopsoas m.
Action: Flexion of thigh
Origin: Iliacus part: ilium (iliac fossa) / Psoas part: body of T12 and all lumbar vertebrae
(bodies, transverse processes, and associated intervertebral discs)
Insertion: Femur (lesser trochanter)
Innervation: Iliacus part: femoral nerve / Psoas part: ventral rami of L2-3 spinal nerves
Comment: Iliopsoas formed by union of iliacus and psoas muscles / Most powerful flexor
of thigh; also active during trunk flexion, especially against resistance (e.g., during situps) / Iliopsoas has minor role as a lateral rotator of thigh
Iliacus m.
Action: Flexion of thigh
Origin: Ilium (fossa) / Sacrum (pelvic surface of ala)
Insertion: Femur (lesser trochanter)
Innervation: Femoral nerve
Comment: Unites with psoas major to form the iliopsoas muscle, the most powerful
flexor of hip /
Psoas major m.
Action: Flexion of thigh / Lateral rotation of thigh / Lateral flexion of trunk
Origin: Body of T12 and L1-5 vertebrae (bodies, transverse processes, and associated
intervertebral discs)
Insertion: Femur (lesser trochanter)
Innervation: Ventral rami of L2-3 spinal nerves
Comment: Unites with iliacus to form the iliopsoas muscle, the most powerful flexor of
hip / Roots of lumbar nerve plexus are embedded in muscle belly