Coxal Region Flashcards

Coxal Region Study Notes

• Hip Joint: The primary joint structure in the coxal region, essential for movement and weight-bearing.

Nerves

• Femoral Nerve: Innervates the anterior compartment of the thigh, crucial for leg extension and sensation.
• Obturator Nerve: Responsible for innervating the medial compartment of the thigh, aiding in adduction.
• Sciatic Nerve: The largest nerve in the body, innervating the posterior compartment of the thigh and lower leg.

Bony Structures

• Head of Femur: Articulates with the acetabulum, forming the hip joint.
• Neck of Femur: Connects the head to the body, susceptible to fractures.
• Body of Ischium: Part of the pelvic bone, contributing to the acetabulum.
• Body of Pubis: Forms the anterior region of the pelvis, assisting in pelvic structure.
• Greater Sciatic Notch: A key landmark for the passage of nerves and blood vessels from the pelvis to the lower limb.

Blood Vessels

• External Iliac Vein: Drains blood from the lower limb back to the heart.
• Internal Iliac Vein: Collects blood from the pelvic region.
• Great Saphenous Vein: The longest vein in the body, important for superficial venous drainage.
• Femoral Artery: Main artery supplying blood to the lower limb.
• Deep Femoral Vein: Accompanies the deep femoral artery, critical for venous return.

Muscles and Actions

• Adductor Longus: Primarily functions to adduct and flex the thigh.
• Pectineus: Assists in thigh adduction and flexion; located in the upper thigh.
• Gracilis: A long, thin muscle that adducts and flexes the thigh.
• Gluteus Medius: Abducts and medially rotates the thigh, essential for stability when walking.
• Gluteus Minimus: Similar function to gluteus medius, contributing to thigh movement and stability.