Iliacus Flashcards

Study the iliacus muscle, including its pelvic attachments, femoral nerve supply, hip flexion, anatomical relationships, and clinical relevance.

Card 1 of 25Question

Where is the iliacus muscle located?

Within the iliac fossa on the internal surface of the ilium.

In This Section

1. Where is the iliacus muscle located?

Within the iliac fossa on the internal surface of the ilium.

2. Which muscle combines with iliacus to form the iliopsoas?

Psoas major.

3. What is the general shape of the iliacus muscle?

A broad, triangular, fan-shaped muscle.

4. What is the principal bony origin of iliacus?

The superior two-thirds of the iliac fossa.

5. Which part of the iliac crest contributes to the origin of iliacus?

The inner lip of the iliac crest.

6. Which ligament provides additional proximal attachment to iliacus?

The anterior sacroiliac ligament.

7. Which sacral structure may contribute fibers to the origin of iliacus?

The ala of the sacrum.

8. Where does iliacus insert?

The lesser trochanter and adjacent proximal femur, mainly through the iliopsoas tendon.

9. How do iliacus fibers relate to the psoas major tendon near their insertion?

They converge with the psoas major tendon, with some fibers attaching directly to the proximal femur.

10. What is the primary action of iliacus?

Flexion of the thigh at the hip joint.

11. Which rotational movement can iliacus assist?

Lateral rotation of the thigh at the hip.

12. How can iliacus act when the femur is fixed?

It assists anterior tilting of the pelvis and flexion of the trunk at the hip.

13. Which nerve supplies the iliacus muscle?

The femoral nerve.

14. Which spinal nerve roots contribute to the femoral nerve supplying iliacus?

L2, L3, and L4.

15. From which divisions of the lumbar plexus does the femoral nerve arise?

The posterior divisions of the anterior rami of L2 to L4.

16. Which arteries contribute to the blood supply of iliacus?

Branches of the iliolumbar, deep circumflex iliac, and femoral arterial systems.

17. Which major artery gives rise to the iliolumbar artery?

The internal iliac artery, usually through its posterior division.

18. Which veins drain blood from the iliacus muscle?

Venous tributaries accompanying the iliolumbar, deep circumflex iliac, and femoral arteries.

19. What is the anatomical relationship of iliacus to psoas major within the pelvis?

Iliacus lies lateral to psoas major.

20. Where does the femoral nerve travel in relation to iliacus?

In the groove between iliacus and psoas major, on the anterior surface of iliacus.

21. Through which anatomical space does iliacus pass beneath the inguinal ligament?

The muscular lacuna, also called the lacuna musculorum.

22. Which portion of the femoral triangle floor is formed by iliacus as part of iliopsoas?

The lateral portion of the floor.

23. Which fascial structure covers the anterior surface of iliacus?

The iliac fascia.

24. Which bursa reduces friction between the iliopsoas tendon and the anterior hip joint capsule?

The iliopsoas bursa, also called the iliopectineal bursa.

25. What neurological deficit may occur when an iliacus hematoma compresses the femoral nerve?

Weak knee extension with a reduced patellar reflex and possible sensory loss.