Tensor fasciae latae
Musculus tensor fasciae latae
MuscularSuperficial musclesPelvisLeft and right
View left in 3D View right in 3D
- What it is
- Short flat muscle enclosed between two layers of the fascia lata, running from the anterior iliac crest and ASIS to the iliotibial tract about a third of the way down the thigh.
- Function
- Abducts, flexes and medially rotates the hip and tenses the iliotibial band to steady the extended knee.
- Size
- About 15 cm long, 2-4 cm wide.
- Clinical note
- Supplied by the superior gluteal nerve; a tight TFL/iliotibial band contributes to lateral hip and knee pain.