Tensor fasciae latae

Tensor fasciae latae
The tensor fasciae latae and nearby muscles
The left femoral triangle
Details
Origin	Iliac crest
Insertion	Iliotibial tract
Artery	Primarily lateral circumflex femoral artery, superior gluteal artery
Nerve	Superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1)
Actions	Hip - flexion, medial rotation, abduction knee - lateral rotation, Torso - stabilization
Identifiers
Latin	Musculus tensor fasciae latae
TA	A04.7.02.010
FMA	22423
Anatomical terms of muscle []

The tensor fasciae latae (or tensor fasciæ latæ) (/ˈtɛnsər ˈfæʃi.iː ˈleɪtiː/) is a muscle of the thigh. It is related with the gluteus maximus in function and structure and is continuous with the iliotibial tract, which attaches to the tibia. The muscle assists in keeping the balance of the pelvis while standing, walking, or running.

It arises from the anterior part of the outer lip of the iliac crest; from the outer surface of the anterior superior iliac spine, and part of the outer border of the notch below it, between the gluteus medius and sartorius; and from the deep surface of the fascia lata.

It is inserted between the two layers of the iliotibial band of the fascia lata about the junction of the middle and upper thirds of the thigh. The tensor fasciae latae tautens the iliotibial band and braces the knee, especially when the opposite foot is lifted. The terminal insertion point lies on the lateral condyle of the tibia.