Anatomy of the Thigh Compartments

Study Notes

Thigh Compartments

The thigh is divided into anterior, medial, and posterior compartments that surround the femur.
These compartments are formed by intermuscular septa that originate on the inner surface of the fascia lata and attach to the linea aspera of the femur.

Anterior Compartment

The anterior compartment is the largest and includes the anterior thigh muscles.
Muscles in this compartment function as flexors of the hip and extensors of the knee.

Pectineus Muscle

The pectineus muscle is an almost rectangular muscle located in the anterior part of the superomedial portion of the thigh.
It has a dual nerve supply from the femoral nerve and a branch of the obturator nerve.
The pectineus muscle originates on the superior ramus of the pubis and inserts on the pectineal line of the femur, just inferior to the lesser trochanter.
It has three main actions: adduction, flexion, and medial rotation of the thigh.

Iliopsoas Muscle

The iliopsoas is the most powerful of the hip flexors.
It has most of its mass located in the posterior wall of the abdomen and greater pelvis.
It consists of two parts: the iliacus muscle and the psoas muscle.
The iliacus muscle arises from the floor of the iliac fossa, ala of the sacrum, inner lip of the iliac crest, and anterior sacroiliac ligaments.

Description

Learn about the structure of the thigh compartments including the anterior, medial, and posterior compartments, their muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. Understand how intermuscular septa and fascia lata play a role in compartmentalization.