Hip Flexors: What Are They? Anatomy, Function and Injuries

they are the iliopsoas, the rectus femoris and the sartorius; then, the tensor of the fascia lata and five elements of the adductor group follow, which are: adductor magnus, adductor long, short adductor, gracilis and pectineus.

).

The hip flexors are muscles that arouse a certain interest in various fields, sports and clinical above all.

Before delving into the anatomy of these muscles, however, it is good to review the general characteristics of the hip joint.

, the hip is the even synovial joint that connects the lower limb to the pelvis (or pelvic girdle).

Due to the position it occupies, anatomists also define it as the "proximal joint of the lower limb" ("proximal" means "closest to the trunk").

The "hip" is a joint characterized by a great stability, which is fundamental for the upright position and the bipedal gait, and by a remarkable mobility.

An example of enarthrosis, the hip takes shape from the joint between the head of the femur (thigh bone) and the acetabulum of the iliac bone (pelvis); the head of the femur resembles a sphere, while the acetabulum is a concave bone surface complementary to the aforementioned head of the femur.

Obviously, like all synovial joints, the hip also includes cartilaginous elements (articular surfaces, acetabular labrum, etc.), ligaments and synovial bags.

Thanks to an efficient complex of muscles, the hip is able to move the femur (and consequently the lower limb) along all three planes of motion (sagittal, frontal, horizontal).

For further information: Hip: Anatomy, Function and Movements , which together constitute the iliopsoas;

Tensor of the fascia lata;

Rectus femoris;

Sartorio;

Great adductor;

Pettineo;

Gracile;

Long adductor;

Short adductor.

With the exception of the rectus femoris and sartorius, these muscle units are part of the large group of the so-called hip muscles.

For further information: Muscles of the Hip: What are they?