A flat, triangular muscle which fills the iliac fossa. It joins the psoas major to form the iliopsoas muscle, acting as a powerful flexor of the thigh at the hip joint.
Psoas Major
A long, thick muscle located on the side of the lumbar region of the vertebral column and the brim of the lesser pelvis. It joins the iliacus muscle to form the iliopsoas, the primary flexor of the hip.
Quadratus Lumborum
Commonly referred to as the “QL,” this is a deep abdominal muscle of the posterior wall. It attaches to the iliac crest, the lower ribs, and the lumbar vertebrae, acting as a lateral flexor of the spine.
Piriformis
A flat, pyramid-shaped muscle located in the gluteal region, deep to the gluteus maximus. It is a key lateral rotator of the hip and is clinically significant due to its proximity to the sciatic nerve.
Gluteus Minimus
The smallest and deepest of the three gluteal muscles, located immediately beneath the gluteus medius. It acts as a primary internal rotator and abductor of the hip.
Gluteus Medius
A broad, thick, radiating muscle situated on the outer surface of the pelvis. It is a major lateral stabilizer of the pelvis and a primary abductor of the hip.
Gluteus Maximus
The largest and most superficial of the three gluteal muscles. It makes up a large portion of the shape and appearance of each side of the hips.
Subscapularis
A large, triangular muscle which fills the subscapular fossa and inserts into the lesser tubercle of the humerus. It is the primary internal rotator of the arm.