Tensor fasciae latae muscle

This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2009)

Tensor fasciae latae
The tensor fasciae latae and nearby muscles
The left femoral triangle.
Latin	musculus tensor fasciae latae
Gray's	subject #128 476
Origin	iliac crest
Insertion	iliotibial tract
Artery	primarily lateral circumflex femoral artery, Superior gluteal artery
Nerve	Superior gluteal nerve (L4-L5)
Actions	Thigh - flexion, medial rotation, abduction. Trunk stabilization.

The tensor fasciae latae or tensor fasciæ latæ is a muscle of the thigh.

Origin and insertion

It arises from the anterior part of the outer lip of the iliac crest; from the outer surface of the anterior superior iliac spine, and part of the outer border of the notch below it, between the gluteus medius and sartorius; and from the deep surface of the fascia lata.

It is inserted between the two layers of the iliotibial band of the fascia lata about the junction of the middle and upper thirds of the thigh.

Function

The Tensor fasciæ latæ is a tensor of the fascia lata; continuing its action, the oblique direction of its fibers enables it to abduct the thigh and assists with internal rotation and flexion of the hip inward (medial rotation).

In the erect posture, acting from below, it will serve to steady the pelvis upon the head of the femur; and by means of the iliotibial band it steadies the condyles of the femur on the articular surfaces of the tibia, and assists the Glutæus maximus in supporting the knee in a position of extension.

Additional images

Right hip bone. External surface.	Structures surrounding right hip-joint.	Muscles of the iliac and anterior femoral regions.	The femoral artery.
The lumbar plexus and its branches.	Front and medial aspect of right thigh.	Back of left lower extremity.

The TFL is often involved in lateral meniscus and or knee pain/ problems. Evaluating for strain-sprain and trigger point in the TFl and then correcting with Jones and or Travell technique will significantly aid recovery and reduce pain.

External links

• LUC tfl
• 705036366 at GPnotebook
• Cross section at UV pelvis/pelvis-e12-15
• tensor+fasciae+latae+muscle at eMedicine Dictionary
• Muscles/TensorFasciaeLatae at exrx.net
• Coachr

This article was originally based on an entry from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy. As such, some of the information contained within it may be outdated.