Tensor Fasciae Latae Muscle
Origin: Anterior surface of the iliac crest and the anterior superior iliac spine
Insertion: The medial 1/3 to 1/2 of the thigh along the iliotibial tract
Actions: Assists with internal rotation of the thigh at the hip, abduction of the thigh at the hip, and extension of the leg at the knee through the iliotibial band
Innervation: Superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1)
Blood Supply: Superior gluteal artery from the internal iliac artery
Primary Actions of the Tensor Fasciae Latae
The tensor fasciae latae is a small muscle and is not responsible for isolated movement.
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Secondary Actions of the Tensor Fasciae Latae:
1. Assists with internal rotation of the thigh at the hip
Agonists:
- Gluteus Minimus (anterior fibers)
- Gluteus Medius (anterior fibers)
Antagonists:
- Obturator internus
- Obturator externus
- Gemellus superior
- Gemellus inferior
- Quadratus femoris
Tensor fasciae latae assists with internal rotation of the thigh at the hip by contracting its anterior fibers only. Adductor longus, adductor brevis, and adductor magnus (anterior part) assist with internal rotation of the thigh at the hip.
2. Assists with abduction of the thigh at the hip
Agonists:
- Gluteus Maximus (upper fibers)
- Gluteus Medius
- Gluteus Minimus
Antagonists:
- Adductor Longus
- Adductor Brevis
- Adductor Magnus
Sartorius also assists with abduction of the thigh at the hip.
3. Assists with extension of the leg at the knee through the iliotibial band
Agonists:
- Vastus lateralis
- Vastus medialis
- Vastus intermedius
- Rectus femoris
Antagonists:
- Biceps femoris
- Semitendinosus
- Semimembranosus
Muscle Pain Information: The tensor fascia latae muscle contributes to aching pain in the hip.
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