Muscle
Iliacus
Hip flexor (with psoas)
High-yield
Femoral nerve supplies iliacus; joins psoas to insert on the lesser trochanter.
Overview
A fan-shaped muscle in the iliac fossa that joins psoas major to form iliopsoas, the prime flexor of the hip.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Iliac fossa and ala of the sacrum
- Insertion
- Lesser trochanter of the femur (via the iliopsoas tendon)
- Action
- Flexes the thigh at the hip and stabilises the joint
- Innervation
- Femoral nerve (L2, L3)
- Blood supply
- Iliolumbar and medial femoral circumflex arteries
Frequently asked questions
What does the iliacus do?
The iliacus flexes the thigh at the hip and stabilises the joint.
What nerve innervates the iliacus?
The iliacus is innervated by the femoral nerve (L2, L3).
Where does the iliacus attach?
The iliacus originates from the iliac fossa and ala of the sacrum and inserts on the lesser trochanter of the femur (via the iliopsoas tendon).
What is the blood supply of the iliacus?
The iliacus is supplied by the iliolumbar and medial femoral circumflex arteries.