Hip anatomy

Right hip bone

The ilium, ischium and pubis bound the acetabulum and the obturator foramen. BodyParts3D geometry; fine details depend on the resolution of the dataset.

Right proximal femur

Head, neck, greater and lesser trochanters. The shaft is sectioned to keep the model focused on the hip.

Sacrum

Posterior landmark of the pelvis. The model includes the whole sacrum and only the right hip bone.

Femoral head cartilage

Teaching reconstruction. Covers the head and spares the fovea, identified from the bony depression. Surface fitted to the mesh; margin and thickness reconstructed, not segmented.

Acetabular cartilage

Teaching reconstruction. Covers the lunate surface, leaving the central fossa and the inferior notch free. The margin follows the hip bone; thickness adapted to the space between the bones.

Acetabular labrum

Teaching reconstruction. Fibrocartilaginous rim with a triangular cross-section on the acetabular margin, interrupted inferiorly by the transverse ligament. Deepens the socket and improves the joint seal; not segmented.

Iliofemoral ligament

Teaching reconstruction. Two anterior Y-shaped bands, reconstructed as thickenings of the capsule. The attachments are not segmented.

Origin

Region of the anterior inferior iliac spine and the adjacent acetabular margin.

Insertion

Intertrochanteric line.

Function

Mainly limits extension and external rotation.

Pubofemoral ligament

Teaching reconstruction. Anteroinferior thickening of the capsule.

Origin

Superior pubic ramus and pubic part of the acetabular margin.

Insertion

Inferior capsule and lower part of the intertrochanteric line.

Function

Limits abduction and helps control extension.

Ischiofemoral ligament

Teaching reconstruction. Posterior thickening of the capsule running obliquely toward the neck.

Origin

Ischial part of the acetabular margin.

Insertion

Femoral neck and medial region of the greater trochanter.

Function

Helps control internal rotation and extension.

Transverse acetabular ligament

Teaching reconstruction. Bridge across the inferior acetabular notch.

Origin

Anterior end of the acetabular notch.

Insertion

Posterior end of the acetabular notch.

Function

Completes the acetabular rim inferiorly.

Ligament of the head of the femur

Teaching reconstruction. Intra-articular fan from the margins of the notch and the transverse ligament to the fovea. Course and width are reconstructed.

Origin

Margins of the acetabular notch and transverse ligament.

Insertion

Fovea of the femoral head.

Function

Contributes to joint stability and proprioception.

Joint capsule

Teaching reconstruction. Envelope from the acetabular margin to the femoral neck: anteriorly it reaches the intertrochanteric line, posteriorly it stays more proximal. Hidden at start; reconstructed attachments.

Gluteus maximus

Superficial posterior layer. Fibers and the tendon transition are an indicative graphic representation.

Origin

Posterior ilium, sacrum, coccyx and sacrotuberous ligament.

Insertion

Iliotibial tract and gluteal tuberosity.

Function

Extension and external rotation of the hip.

Gluteus medius

Covers the gluteus minimus; the footprints of the individual bundles are not segmented in this version.

Origin

Gluteal surface of the ilium between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines.

Insertion

Lateral and superoposterior facets of the greater trochanter.

Function

Abduction and stabilization of the pelvis in single-leg stance.

Gluteus minimus

Deep to the gluteus medius. Its anterior part contributes to internal rotation.

Origin

Gluteal surface of the ilium between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines.

Insertion

Anterior facet of the greater trochanter.

Function

Abduction and stabilization of the hip.

Tensor fasciae latae

The distal part is sectioned together with the thigh.

Origin

Anterior superior iliac spine and anterior part of the iliac crest.

Insertion

Iliotibial tract.

Function

Tenses the fascia lata; flexion, abduction and internal rotation of the hip.

Piriformis

Passes through the greater sciatic foramen. Variants of its course are not shown.

Origin

Pelvic surface of the sacrum.

Insertion

Superior border of the greater trochanter.

Function

External rotation of the extended hip and abduction of the flexed hip.

Obturator internus

The tendon changes direction at the lesser sciatic notch.

Origin

Inner surface of the obturator membrane and the surrounding bone.

Insertion

Medial surface of the greater trochanter.

Function

External rotation and stabilization of the hip.

Obturator externus

Runs below the femoral neck before reaching the trochanteric fossa.

Origin

Outer surface of the obturator membrane and the surrounding bone.

Insertion

Trochanteric fossa.

Function

External rotation and stabilization of the femoral head.

Superior gemellus

Lies along the upper side of the obturator internus tendon.

Origin

Ischial spine.

Insertion

Obturator internus tendon, toward the greater trochanter.

Function

External rotation and stabilization of the hip.

Inferior gemellus

Lies along the lower side of the obturator internus tendon.

Origin

Ischial tuberosity.

Insertion

Obturator internus tendon, toward the greater trochanter.

Function

External rotation and stabilization of the hip.

Quadratus femoris

Fills the space between the ischium and the proximal femur.

Origin

Lateral border of the ischial tuberosity.

Insertion

Quadrate tubercle and intertrochanteric crest.

Function

External rotation and a contribution to adduction.

Iliacus

The muscle converges with the psoas major in front of the joint.

Origin

Iliac fossa.

Insertion

Lesser trochanter, with the iliopsoas tendon.

Function

Hip flexion.

Psoas major

The lumbar part is cut at the upper edge of the model: the full origin is not shown.

Origin

Bodies, discs and transverse processes of the thoracolumbar spine.

Insertion

Lesser trochanter, with the iliacus.

Function

Hip flexion and lumbopelvic stabilization.

Rectus femoris

The proximal part is shown; the two tendons of origin are not separated.

Origin

Anterior inferior iliac spine and supra-acetabular region.

Insertion

Patella through the quadriceps tendon; tibia through the patellar ligament.

Function

Hip flexion and knee extension.

Sartorius

Crosses the front of the thigh obliquely; the distal insertion is outside the model.

Origin

Anterior superior iliac spine.

Insertion

Proximal medial tibia, in the pes anserinus.

Function

Flexion, abduction and external rotation of the hip; knee flexion.

Pectineus

Proximal muscle of the medial compartment of the thigh.

Origin

Pecten pubis.

Insertion

Pectineal line of the femur.

Function

Adduction and flexion of the hip.

Adductor brevis

Deep to the pectineus and adductor longus.

Origin

Body and inferior ramus of the pubis.

Insertion

Proximal part of the linea aspera.

Function

Hip adduction.

Adductor longus

The distal part and the full insertion are outside the field.

Origin

Body of the pubis.

Insertion

Middle third of the linea aspera of the femur.

Function

Hip adduction.

Adductor magnus

The adductor and hamstring parts are not separated in the dataset used.

Origin

Ischiopubic ramus and ischial tuberosity.

Insertion

Linea aspera, medial supracondylar line and adductor tubercle.

Function

Adduction; the hamstring part contributes to extension.

Gracilis

The proximal segment is visible on the medial side of the thigh.

Origin

Body and inferior ramus of the pubis.

Insertion

Proximal medial tibia, in the pes anserinus.

Function

Hip adduction and knee flexion.

Semitendinosus

The model is limited to the origin and the proximal belly.

Origin

Ischial tuberosity, with the long head of the biceps femoris.

Insertion

Proximal medial tibia, in the pes anserinus.

Function

Hip extension and knee flexion.

Semimembranosus

Broad tendinous proximal origin; the distal insertion is outside the field.

Origin

Ischial tuberosity.

Insertion

Medial condyle of the tibia, posteriorly.

Function

Hip extension and knee flexion.

Biceps femoris – long head

Only the proximal part of the long head is shown.

Origin

Ischial tuberosity.

Insertion

Head of the fibula.

Function

Hip extension and knee flexion.

Iliotibial tract

Lateral fascia of the thigh; the distal segment is sectioned. BodyParts3D geometry.

Origin

Iliac crest; contributions from the tensor fasciae latae and gluteus maximus.

Insertion

Gerdy’s tubercle of the tibia.

Function

Lateral stabilization of the hip and knee.

External iliac artery

From the bifurcation of the common iliac artery, in front of the sacroiliac joint, it follows the medial border of the psoas major to the inguinal ligament, where it continues as the femoral artery. Relation: the external iliac vein lies medial and posterior.

Femoral artery

Continues the external iliac artery below the inguinal ligament, midway between the anterior superior iliac spine and the symphysis; in the femoral triangle it lies lateral to the vein and medial to the nerve, then descends under the sartorius toward the adductor canal. Landmark for vascular access and groin ultrasound.

Deep femoral artery

Arises from the posterolateral side of the femoral artery about 4 cm below the inguinal ligament; it descends close to the femur, behind the adductor longus and in front of the pectineus, adductor brevis and adductor magnus. Gives off the circumflex and perforating arteries (the latter not shown).

Medial circumflex femoral artery

Runs backward between the iliopsoas and pectineus, then between the obturator externus and adductor brevis; the deep branch ascends above the quadratus femoris toward the trochanteric fossa and the posterior neck. It is the main source of the retinacular vessels of the head (not resolved): relevant in femoral neck fractures and avascular necrosis.

Lateral circumflex femoral artery

Runs laterally in front of the iliopsoas, behind the sartorius and rectus femoris; the ascending branch rises lateral to the neck, under the tensor fasciae latae, toward the gluteus minimus. Transverse and descending branches not shown.

Internal iliac artery

Descends into the lesser pelvis in front of the sacroiliac joint and, at the upper margin of the greater sciatic notch, divides into a posterior trunk (superior gluteal) and an anterior trunk (obturator, inferior gluteal). Visceral and pudendal branches not shown.

Obturator artery

From the anterior trunk of the internal iliac artery it follows the lateral pelvic wall, below the obturator nerve, and leaves through the obturator canal. A common variant (corona mortis, not shown) connects it with the epigastric vessels over the superior pubic ramus.

Superior gluteal artery

Largest branch of the internal iliac artery: it leaves the greater sciatic foramen above the piriformis and divides between the gluteus maximus and medius (superficial branch) and between the gluteus medius and minimus (deep branch, shown). Exposed in fractures through the sciatic notch.

Inferior gluteal artery

From the anterior trunk it leaves below the piriformis, medial to the sciatic nerve, and descends between the greater trochanter and the ischial tuberosity on the deep surface of the gluteus maximus, which it supplies.

External iliac vein

Continues the femoral vein from the inguinal ligament and ascends medial to and slightly behind the artery of the same name, until it joins the internal iliac vein to form the common iliac vein.

Femoral vein

In the femoral triangle it is the most medial structure (nerve, artery, vein from lateral to medial) and gradually slips behind the artery toward the adductor canal. Compressible with the probe: the basis of ultrasound for deep vein thrombosis.

Deep femoral vein

Companion of the deep femoral artery, in front of it; it joins the femoral vein a few centimeters below the inguinal ligament (the common femoral vein is the segment above the confluence).

Medial circumflex femoral vein

Accompanies the artery between the iliopsoas, pectineus and obturator externus to the posterior trochanteric region and drains into the femoral vein. Shown as a single vein.

Lateral circumflex femoral vein

Accompanies the artery under the sartorius and rectus femoris and drains into the femoral vein, sometimes into the deep femoral vein. Shown as a single vein.

Internal iliac vein

Receives the gluteal, obturator and pelvic veins; it runs posteromedial to the artery and joins the external iliac vein in front of the sacroiliac joint. Visceral plexuses not shown.

Obturator vein

Accompanies the artery through the obturator canal and along the lateral pelvic wall to the internal iliac vein.

Superior gluteal vein

Companion of the superior gluteal artery through the suprapiriform foramen, between the gluteus medius and minimus; in adults often paired (single here).

Inferior gluteal vein

Companion of the inferior gluteal artery from the gluteus maximus to the infrapiriform foramen, medial to the sciatic nerve.

Femoral nerve

Mixed (L2–L4): descends in the groove between the psoas major and iliacus, under the iliac fascia, and passes under the inguinal ligament lateral to the artery, outside the femoral sheath; it divides shortly below. Supplies the iliacus, pectineus, sartorius and quadriceps; sensation of the anterior thigh and, through the saphenous nerve, of the medial leg. Shown: the trunk, the saphenous nerve beside the artery and the branch to the rectus femoris.

Obturator nerve

Mixed (L2–L4): emerges from the medial border of the psoas major, descends on the lateral pelvic wall above the obturator vessels and leaves through the obturator canal; the anterior branch passes in front of the adductor brevis, the posterior branch behind it. Supplies the adductors and the skin of the medial thigh; hip pain can be referred to the knee.

Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve

Sensory (L2–L3): from the lateral border of the psoas major it crosses the iliacus obliquely, passes under the inguinal ligament about 1 cm medial to the anterior superior iliac spine and descends in front of the sartorius into the fascia lata. Compression at this point causes meralgia paresthetica.

Sciatic nerve

Mixed (L4–S3), the largest nerve: it leaves the greater sciatic foramen below the piriformis, descends between the greater trochanter and the ischial tuberosity behind the gemelli, obturator internus and quadratus femoris, covered by the gluteus maximus, then behind the adductor magnus and under the long head of the biceps. Supplies the hamstrings and, through the tibial and common fibular nerves, the leg and foot. At risk in posterior dislocation and in the posterior approach to the hip.

Superior gluteal nerve

Motor (L4–S1): leaves above the piriformis with the superior gluteal vessels and runs between the gluteus medius and minimus to the tensor fasciae latae, which it supplies together with these two muscles. Injury (lateral approaches, injections) weakens the abductors: Trendelenburg sign.

Inferior gluteal nerve

Motor (L5–S2): leaves below the piriformis, superficial to the sciatic nerve, and enters the deep surface of the gluteus maximus, the only muscle it supplies.

Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve

Sensory (S1–S3): leaves below the piriformis, medial to and behind the sciatic nerve, descends under the gluteus maximus and then under the fascia, on the hamstrings, toward the skin of the posterior thigh and popliteal fossa. Inferior cluneal and perineal branches not shown.

Nerve to quadratus femoris

Motor with articular branches (L4–S1): leaves below the piriformis in front of the sciatic nerve and descends on the ischium, deep to the gemelli and the obturator internus tendon, to the quadratus femoris and inferior gemellus. Contributes to the innervation of the posterior capsule.

Nerve to obturator internus

Motor (L5–S2): leaves below the piriformis, crosses the ischial spine lateral to the internal pudendal vessels and re-enters through the lesser sciatic foramen to the pelvic surface of the obturator internus; gives a branch to the superior gemellus.