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Ilio-lumbar muscle
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The ilio-lumbar muscle (m.iliopsoas) consists of two muscles - the large lumbar and iliac, which, starting at different places (on the lumbar vertebrae and iliac bone), unite into a single muscle that attaches to the small trochanter of the femur. Both parts of the muscle are involved in the formation of the posterior wall of the abdominal cavity.
The large lumbar muscle (m.psoas major) is thick, spindle-shaped, starting on the lateral surface of the bodies and the transverse processes of the XII thoracic and all lumbar vertebrae. Located in front of the transverse processes, this muscle is tightly attached to the bodies of the vertebrae. Then the muscle goes down, crosses the borderline of the pelvis in front and connects to the iliac muscle.
The iliac muscle (m.iliacus) is massive, flat, occupies the iliac fossa, and lies laterally to the large lumbar muscle. It begins on the upper two-thirds of the iliac fossa, the inner lip of the iliac crest, anterior sacroiliac and iliac-lumbar ligaments.
The ilio-lumbar muscle emerges from the pelvic cavity (behind the inguinal ligament) through the muscle lacuna into the thigh region and is attached to the femur, its small spit.
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