Tensor fasciae latae
Musculus tensor fasciae latae
Also known as: TFL, tensor fasciae femoris
A short, flat muscle at the front of the hip enclosed in the fascia lata. It flexes, abducts and medially rotates the hip and tenses the iliotibial tract to stabilise the knee.
Overview
TFL arises from the anterior superior iliac spine and the anterior part of the outer lip of the iliac crest. It lies between the two layers of the fascia lata and inserts into the iliotibial tract about one-third of the way down the thigh. Through the tract it acts as far as Gerdy's tubercle on the lateral tibial condyle. It belongs functionally to the gluteal group and shares the superior gluteal nerve with gluteus medius and minimus.
It flexes, abducts and medially rotates the hip. With gluteus maximus it tenses the iliotibial tract, which supports the extended knee and helps steady the pelvis on the femur in single-leg stance and gait. The groove between TFL and sartorius below the ASIS is the site of the anterior (Smith-Petersen) approach to the hip.
Anatomy
- Origin
Anterior superior iliac spine and the anterior part of the outer lip of the iliac crest.
- Insertion
Iliotibial tract, and through it the lateral condyle of the tibia (Gerdy's tubercle).
- Action
Flexion, abduction and medial rotation of the hip; tensing of the fascia lata to stabilise the knee.
- Innervation
Superior gluteal nerve.
- Nerve roots
L4–S1 (L4–L5)
- Arterial supply
Superior gluteal artery and the ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery.
- Relations
Lies lateral to sartorius, with the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve passing close to the ASIS between them. Lies anterior to gluteus medius.
Function
- Flexes, abducts and medially rotates the thigh
- Tenses the iliotibial tract and stabilises the knee in extension
- Steadies the pelvis in gait
Clinical significance
Meralgia paraesthetica
Entrapment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve near the ASIS, by tight belts, obesity or pregnancy, causes burning numbness over the anterolateral thigh. There is no motor loss.
Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Muscular System sources. For education only; not medical advice.