Iliopsoas muscle

Last revised by Reabal Najjar on 10 Dec 2022

The iliopsoas muscle is a large compound pelvic muscle composed of the psoas major and iliacus. The iliopsoas belongs to the anterior compartment of the pelvic muscles and is a muscle of the posterior abdominal wall. It found within the iliopsoas compartment and is an important muscle in locomotion and upright posture. 

The iliopsoas muscle has its origin at the fusion of the psoas major and iliacus muscles. This fusion occurs at the level of L5-S2, and the combined muscles pass from the pelvis to the thigh under the inguinal ligament.

The psoas major and iliacus muscles merge at the level of the hip joint capsule, forming a common tendon for iliopsoas muscle and inserting into the lesser trochanter of the femur via the psoas tendon. 

The inferior portion of the iliopsoas below the inguinal ligament forms a part of the floor of the femoral triangle.

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Cases and figures

  • Figure 1: anterior thigh muscles (Gray's illustration)
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  • Figure 2: anterior hip muscles
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