The tensor fasciae latae is the most anteriorly located muscle within the superficial group of gluteal muscles.
The gluteal region consists of two groups of muscles:
- Deep group: small muscles which mainly laterally rotate the femur at the hip joint. These include the piriformis, obturator internus, gemellus superior, gemellus inferior, and quadratus femoris.
- Superficial group: larger muscles which cause abduction and extension of the femur at the hip joint. These include the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimis and the tensor fascia latae.
Origin
- Anterior superior illiac spine
- Outer Edge of illiac crest
Insertion
- Illiotibial band (which runs to superolateral aspect of tibia)
Action
- Hip abduction
- Hip medial rotation
- Hip flexion (assists)
- Stabilises hip and knee by placing tension in illiotibial band
Innervation
- Superior gluteal nerve: L4,L5,S1
Blood Supply
- Superior gluteal artery
- Lateral circumflex femoral artery