Bone of the Thigh: Femur
- The longest and strongest bone Bone Bone is a compact type of hardened connective tissue composed of bone cells, membranes, an extracellular mineralized matrix, and central bone marrow. The 2 primary types of bone are compact and spongy. Structure of Bones in the human body
- The only bone Bone Bone is a compact type of hardened connective tissue composed of bone cells, membranes, an extracellular mineralized matrix, and central bone marrow. The 2 primary types of bone are compact and spongy. Structure of Bones located in the thigh
- Articulations of the femur:
- With the acetabulum of the hip bone Bone Bone is a compact type of hardened connective tissue composed of bone cells, membranes, an extracellular mineralized matrix, and central bone marrow. The 2 primary types of bone are compact and spongy. Structure of Bones proximally: to form the hip joint Hip joint The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the head of the femur and the acetabulum of the pelvis. The hip joint is the most stable joint in the body and is supported by a very strong capsule and several ligaments, allowing the joint to sustain forces that can be multiple times the total body weight. Hip Joint
- With the tibia distally: to form medial and lateral tibiofemoral articulations
- With the patella distally: to form the patellofemoral articulation
| Segment | Important landmarks |
|---|---|
| Proximal end |
|
| Shaft |
|
| Distal end |
|
Anterior view of the right femur
Image by BioDigital, edited by Lecturio.Posterior view of the right femur
Image by BioDigital, edited by Lecturio.
Fascial Compartments of the Thigh
The iliotibial tract or iliotibial band is a thickening of the fascia lata located on the lateral surface of the thigh. The iliotibial tract is a stabilizer of the hip and knee.
- Proximally:
- Splits into a superficial and deep layer, enclosing the tensor fascia latae muscle
- Attaches proximally to the iliac crest of the pelvis Pelvis The pelvis consists of the bony pelvic girdle, the muscular and ligamentous pelvic floor, and the pelvic cavity, which contains viscera, vessels, and multiple nerves and muscles. The pelvic girdle, composed of 2 "hip" bones and the sacrum, is a ring-like bony structure of the axial skeleton that links the vertebral column with the lower extremities. Pelvis
- Distally:
- Merges with the aponeurosis of the vastus lateralis muscle
- Attaches to Gerdy’s tubercle on the lateral tibial condyle
Lateral view of the thigh, featuring the iliotibial tract and tensor fasciae latae muscle
Image by BioDigital, edited by Lecturio.The 3 intermuscular septa arise from the fascia lata and attach to the linea aspera of the femur. The lateral, medial, and posterior intermuscular septums divide the thigh into the following:
- The anterior or extensor compartment:
- Quadriceps (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, and vastus medialis)
- Sartorius
- The posterior or flexor compartment:
- Biceps femoris
- Semitendinosus
- Semimembranosus
- The medial or adductor compartment:
- Adductor magnus
- Adductor longus
- Adductor brevis
- Gracilis
- Pectineus
Thigh cross-section at mid-shaft
Image by Lecturio.Anterior Compartment of the Thigh
- The anterior compartment of the thigh contains the following muscles:
- Quadriceps femoris: comprises the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius, and vastus lateralis
- Sartorius
- Sometimes, the iliopsoas is considered part of the anterior compartment; otherwise, it is considered a muscle of the hip joint Hip joint The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the head of the femur and the acetabulum of the pelvis. The hip joint is the most stable joint in the body and is supported by a very strong capsule and several ligaments, allowing the joint to sustain forces that can be multiple times the total body weight. Hip Joint/ pelvis Pelvis The pelvis consists of the bony pelvic girdle, the muscular and ligamentous pelvic floor, and the pelvic cavity, which contains viscera, vessels, and multiple nerves and muscles. The pelvic girdle, composed of 2 "hip" bones and the sacrum, is a ring-like bony structure of the axial skeleton that links the vertebral column with the lower extremities. Pelvis.
- The primary function of the muscles of the anterior compartment of the thigh is knee extension.
- All these muscles all innervated by the femoral nerve.
| Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Innervation | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rectus femoris | Anterior inferior iliac spine | Tibial tuberosity via common quadriceps and patellar ligament | Femoral nerve (L3, L4) |
|
| Vastus lateralis | Greater trochanter and the lateral lip of linea aspera | |||
| Vastus intermedius | Anterior shaft of the femur | |||
| Vastus medialis | Intertrochanteric line and medial lip of linea aspera | |||
| Sartorius | Anterior superior iliac spine | Medial surface of the proximal tibia | Femoral nerve (L2) |
|
Anterior view of the thigh showing the origin and insertion of the quadriceps femoris
Image by BioDigital, edited by Lecturio.
Tensor fasciae latae, sartorius muscles, and iliotibial tract
Image by BioDigital, edited by Lecturio.
Anterior view of the thigh showing the muscles of the anterior compartment (quadriceps femoris and sartorius) and their relationship to neighboring muscles and each other
Image by BioDigital, edited by Lecturio.
Posterior Compartment of the Thigh
- The posterior compartment of the thigh contains the hamstring muscles:
- Biceps femoris
- Semitendinosus
- Semimembranosus
- The muscles of the posterior compartment have the primary function of knee flexion and hip extension.
- These muscles are innervated by branches of the sciatic nerve.
| Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Innervation | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biceps femoris |
|
Lateral surface of the fibula |
|
|
| Semitendinosus | Ischial tuberosity | Medial surface of the proximal tibia | Tibial division of sciatic nerve (L5, S1) | Extends the hip, flexes the knee, and medially rotates the knee when flexed |
| Semimembranosus | Posterior surface of medial condyle of tibia |
Lateral view of the thigh showing the origin and insertion of the biceps femoris muscle
Image by BioDigital, edited by Lecturio.
Posterior view of the right thigh showing the origin and insertion of the semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles
Image by BioDigital, edited by Lecturio.
Medial view of the right thigh showing the origin and insertion of the semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles
Image by BioDigital, edited by Lecturio.
Posterior view of the thigh showing the muscles of the posterior compartment of the thigh and their relationship to other muscles and each other
Image by BioDigital, edited by Lecturio.
Medial Compartment of the Thigh
- The medial compartment of the thigh contains the following muscles:
- Adductor magnus, longus, and brevis
- Gracilis
- Pectineus
- The obturator externus is sometimes included, although it is primarily an external rotator and secondarily an adductor.
- The primary function of the muscles of the medial compartment is hip adduction.
- These muscles are primarily innervated by the obturator nerve, except for the pectineus (femoral nerve).
| Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Innervation | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adductor magnus |
|
|
|
|
| Adductor longus | Body of pubis | Middle &frac13 of linea aspera | Obturator nerve (L3) | Adducts the hip |
| Adductor brevis | Body and inferior ramus of pubis | Proximal linea aspera | ||
| Gracilis | Medial surface of the proximal tibia | Obturator nerve (L2) |
|
|
| Pectineus | Superior pubic ramus | Pectineal line of femur | Femoral nerve (L2) | Adducts, flexes, and supports medial rotation of the hip |
Anterior view of the thighs showing the origin and insertion of the muscles of the medial compartment
Image by BioDigital, edited by Lecturio.Anterior view of the thigh featuring the intermediate muscular layer:
Image by BioDigital, edited by Lecturio.
Note the muscles of the medial compartment (the pectineus, adductor magnus, longus, and brevis, and gracilis) and their relationship to other muscles and each other
Pes anserinus
The distal end of the medial region of the thigh is the location of the pes anserinus or “goose foot,” which comprises the conjoined tendons of the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus muscles inserting into the tibia.
The conjoined tendon of the gracilis, sartorius, and semitendinosus muscles, which form the pes anserinus (goose foot)
Image by BioDigital, edited by Lecturio.
Medial view of the lower thigh and knee joint Knee joint The knee joint is made up of the articulations between the femur, tibia, and patella bones, and is one of the largest and most complex joints of the human body. The knee is classified as a synovial hinge joint, which primarily allows for flexion and extension with a more limited degree of translation and rotation. Knee Joint showing the insertion of the sartorius, gracilis, and semitendinosus muscles, which form the pes anserinus (goose foot)
Image by BioDigital, edited by Lecturio.
Blood Supply
Arterial blood supply
Three arteries Arteries Arteries are tubular collections of cells that transport oxygenated blood and nutrients from the heart to the tissues of the body. The blood passes through the arteries in order of decreasing luminal diameter, starting in the largest artery (the aorta) and ending in the small arterioles. Arteries are classified into 3 types: large elastic arteries, medium muscular arteries, and small arteries and arterioles. Arteries exit the pelvis Pelvis The pelvis consists of the bony pelvic girdle, the muscular and ligamentous pelvic floor, and the pelvic cavity, which contains viscera, vessels, and multiple nerves and muscles. The pelvic girdle, composed of 2 "hip" bones and the sacrum, is a ring-like bony structure of the axial skeleton that links the vertebral column with the lower extremities. Pelvis: the femoral, obturator, and inferior gluteal arteries Arteries Arteries are tubular collections of cells that transport oxygenated blood and nutrients from the heart to the tissues of the body. The blood passes through the arteries in order of decreasing luminal diameter, starting in the largest artery (the aorta) and ending in the small arterioles. Arteries are classified into 3 types: large elastic arteries, medium muscular arteries, and small arteries and arterioles. Arteries. However, the femoral and obturator arteries Arteries Arteries are tubular collections of cells that transport oxygenated blood and nutrients from the heart to the tissues of the body. The blood passes through the arteries in order of decreasing luminal diameter, starting in the largest artery (the aorta) and ending in the small arterioles. Arteries are classified into 3 types: large elastic arteries, medium muscular arteries, and small arteries and arterioles. Arteries continue toward the thigh, while the inferior gluteal supplies and ends in the gluteal region.
- Femoral artery:
- Supplies the majority of the lower limb
- A direct continuation of the external iliac artery
- Originates and enters the thigh upon passing under the inguinal canal Inguinal canal The inguinal region, or the groin, is located in the RLQ and LLQ of the anterior abdominal wall, bordered by the thigh inferiorly, the pubis medially, and the iliac crest superolaterally. The inguinal canal is a tubular structure that runs in a straight line from the anterior superior iliac spine to the pubic tubercle. Inguinal Canal and Hernias
- Passes through the femoral triangle, where it can be palpated
- Enters the adductor canal distally in the thigh, terminates at the adductor hiatus, and becomes the popliteal artery
- Has several branches:
- Profunda femoris artery (deep artery of the thigh): the main branch of the femoral; supplies most of the structures in the thigh and gives off perforating branches and the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries Arteries Arteries are tubular collections of cells that transport oxygenated blood and nutrients from the heart to the tissues of the body. The blood passes through the arteries in order of decreasing luminal diameter, starting in the largest artery (the aorta) and ending in the small arterioles. Arteries are classified into 3 types: large elastic arteries, medium muscular arteries, and small arteries and arterioles. Arteries (MCFAs and LCFAs) to the hip joint Hip joint The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the head of the femur and the acetabulum of the pelvis. The hip joint is the most stable joint in the body and is supported by a very strong capsule and several ligaments, allowing the joint to sustain forces that can be multiple times the total body weight. Hip Joint
- Superficial epigastric artery
- Superficial circumflex iliac artery
- Superficial external pudendal artery
- Deep external pudendal artery
- Obturator artery:
- Branch of the internal iliac artery
- Passes through the obturator foramen to the muscles of the medial compartment
- Gives off important extra-pelvic branches:
- Anterior branch: supplies the obturator externus muscle, adductor muscles, and skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Structure and Function of the Skin over the medial thigh
- Posterior branch: supplies the muscles attached to the ischial tuberosity
- Artery of the ligamentum teres: supplies the head of the femur
Arterial supply of the thigh showing the trajectory and main branches of the femoral artery
Image by BioDigital, edited by Lecturio.
Anterior view of the thigh showing the passage of the femoral artery through the femoral triangle
Image by Lecturio.
Venous drainage
- Deep venous system:
- The popliteal vein becomes the femoral vein as it ascends into the thigh.
- The femoral vein accompanies the femoral artery in its trajectory and receives the deep vein of the thigh (profunda femoris vein) in the proximal thigh.
- The femoral vein becomes the external iliac vein once it passes underneath the inguinal ligament.
- Superficial venous system:
- The great saphenous vein originates from the dorsal venous arch of the foot.
- Ascends the medial side of the leg Leg The lower leg, or just "leg" in anatomical terms, is the part of the lower limb between the knee and the ankle joint. The bony structure is composed of the tibia and fibula bones, and the muscles of the leg are grouped into the anterior, lateral, and posterior compartments by extensions of fascia. Leg passing posterior to the medial condyle at the knee
- Drains into the femoral vein in the femoral triangle
Anterior view of the venous drainage of the lower limb
Image by BioDigital, edited by Lecturio.
Posterior view of the venous drainage of the lower limb
Image by BioDigital, edited by Lecturio.
Anterior view of the thigh:
Image by BioDigital, edited by Lecturio.
Note the course and branches of the profunda brachii artery (deep artery of the thigh), the superficial venous network, and the spatial relation of the vessels and muscles.
Innervation
The thigh is innervated by branches of the lumbar and sacral plexus.
| Nerve | Origin | Motor supply | Sensory supply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve | Lumbar plexus (L2–L3) | Skin of the anterolateral thigh | |
| Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve | Sacral plexus (S2–S3) | Skin of the gluteal region, posterior perineum, and posterior thigh | |
| Femoral nerve |
|
|
|
| Saphenous nerve | Branch of the femoral nerve | Skin of lower &frac23 of the medial thigh, medial lower leg Leg The lower leg, or just "leg" in anatomical terms, is the part of the lower limb between the knee and the ankle joint. The bony structure is composed of the tibia and fibula bones, and the muscles of the leg are grouped into the anterior, lateral, and posterior compartments by extensions of fascia. Leg, and foot | |
| Obturator nerve |
|
Muscles of the medial compartment | Skin of upper &frac13 of the medial thigh |
| Sciatic nerve (thickest nerve in the human body) |
|
Tibial branch: Muscles of the posterior compartment | None in the thigh |
Innervation of the lower limbs
Image by Lecturio.
Lumbosacral plexus
Image by Lecturio.Schematic diagram of the course and main branches of the lumbosacral plexus
Image by BioDigital, edited by Lecturio
Cutaneous innervation of the lower limb
Image: “Gray826and831” by Henry Vandyke Carter. License: Public Domain
Clinical Relevance
The following conditions are clinically relevant to the thigh:
- Femoral shaft fracture Fracture A fracture is a disruption of the cortex of any bone and periosteum and is commonly due to mechanical stress after an injury or accident. Open fractures due to trauma can be a medical emergency. Fractures are frequently associated with automobile accidents, workplace injuries, and trauma. Overview of Bone Fractures: a fracture Fracture A fracture is a disruption of the cortex of any bone and periosteum and is commonly due to mechanical stress after an injury or accident. Open fractures due to trauma can be a medical emergency. Fractures are frequently associated with automobile accidents, workplace injuries, and trauma. Overview of Bone Fractures anywhere along the shaft or diaphysis of the femur. Femoral shaft fractures generally occur in young adults due to high-impact injuries. In the elderly, these fractures are usually due to low-impact falls, even a fall from standing, and are related to osteoporosis Osteoporosis Osteoporosis refers to a decrease in bone mass and density leading to an increased number of fractures. There are 2 forms of osteoporosis: primary, which is commonly postmenopausal or senile; and secondary, which is a manifestation of immobilization, underlying medical disorders, or long-term use of certain medications. Osteoporosis. Typically present as a painfully swollen, tense thigh with restricted range of motion. Vascular compromise secondary to blood loss and fat embolization are possible complications.
- Proximal femur fractures: most commonly seen in the elderly and related to osteoporosis Osteoporosis Osteoporosis refers to a decrease in bone mass and density leading to an increased number of fractures. There are 2 forms of osteoporosis: primary, which is commonly postmenopausal or senile; and secondary, which is a manifestation of immobilization, underlying medical disorders, or long-term use of certain medications. Osteoporosis. Generally classified into intracapsular and extracapsular fractures; intracapsular fractures may lead to avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
- Femoral hernia Femoral hernia A femoral hernia is an uncommon type of groin hernia in which intra-abdominal contents herniate under the inguinal ligament and through the femoral ring into the femoral canal. More common in adults than in children, femoral hernias usually present with swelling that protrudes into the femoral triangle. Femoral Region and Hernias: an uncommon type of groin hernia, in which intraabdominal contents herniate under the inguinal ligament and through the femoral ring into the femoral canal. More common in adults than in children, femoral hernias usually present with swelling that worsens with coughing or straining and that protrudes into the femoral triangle (inferiorly to the inguinal ligament and medial to the femoral vein).
References
- Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W., & Mitchell, A.W.M. (2014). Gray’s Anatomy for Students (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone.
- Bordoni, B., & Varacallo, M. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Thigh Quadriceps Muscle. [Updated 2020 Jul 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513334/
- Khan, A., & Arain, A. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Anterior Thigh Muscles. [Updated 2020 Aug 15]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538425/
