Iliacus

ILIACUS

The iliacus muscle is shaped like a triangle, flat and an exact fit of the iliac fossa — the curved surface of the largest pelvic bone. Together with the psoas major muscle, it is also called the iliopsoas muscle.

ANATOMY

Origin

Upper 2/3 of iliac fossa of ilium, internal lip of iliac crest, lateral aspect of sacrum, ventral sacroiliac ligament, and lower portion of iliolumbar ligament

Insertion

Lesser trochanter of femur. Its fibers are often inserted in front of those of the psoas major and extend distally over the lesser trochanter.

Nerve supply

The iliacus muscle is supplied with nerves by the branches of the second and third nerves of the lumbar area through the femoral nerve.(L2,L3)

Artery

Lumbar branch of iliopsoas branch of internal iliac artery

Action

• The iliacus muscles flexes and externally rotates the femur.
• It is also one of the key muscles that helps to maintain proper body posture.

• When combined with the psoas muscle the two muscles are considered the strongest hip flexors in the body.
• It is also one of the key muscles that helps to maintain proper body posture.
• The Iliacus muscle can also add to an anterior tilt of the pelvis (down and forward).