The iliopsoas is a muscle in the anterior compartment of the thigh. It is comprised of two separate muscles; the psoas major and iliacus. These muscles arise in the pelvis and pass under the inguinal ligament into the anterior compartment of the thigh – where they form a common tendon.
- Attachments:
- Psoas major – originates from the lumbar vertebrae
- Iliacus – originates from the iliac fossa of the pelvis.
- They insert together onto the lesser trochanter of the femur.
- Actions: Flexion of the the thigh at the hip joint.
- Innervation:
- Psoas major – anterior rami of L1-3
- Iliacus – femoral nerve.
- Blood supply: Iliolumbar branch of the internal iliac artery, with contributions from the obturator and femoral arteries.
