Anterior hip: internal/iliac muscles: flexor of the thigh

Question 1

Psoas major

Answer 1

• origin: bodies and transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae
• insertion: lesser trochanter of femur (with iliacus) via iliopsoas tendon
• action: flexes the thigh; flexes & laterally bends the lumbar vertebral column
• iliopsoas

Question 2

iliacus muscle

Answer 2

• origin: iliac fossa and iliac crest; ala of sacrum
• insertion: lesser trochanter of the femur
• action: flexes the thigh; if the thigh is fixed it flexes the pelvis on the thigh
• iliopsoas

Question 3

psoas minor

Answer 3

• origin: bodies of the T12 & L1
• insertion: iliopubic eminence at the line of junction of the ilium and the superior pubic ramus
• action: flexes & laterally bends the lumbar vertebral column
• absent in 40% of cases