Psoas major muscle

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Psoas major muscle
The psoas major and nearby muscles
Horizontal disposition of the peritoneum in the lower part of the abdomen. (Psoas major labeled at bottom left.)
Latin m. psoas major
Gray's subject #127 467
Origin Transverse processes of T12-L5 and the lateral aspects of the discs between them
Insertion    in the lesser trochanter of the femur
Artery lumbar branch of iliolumbar artery
Nerve Lumbar plexus via anterior branches of L2-L4 nerves
Actions flexes and rotates laterally thigh
Antagonist Gluteus maximus
MeSH Psoas+Muscles

The psoas major is a long fusiform muscle placed on the side of the lumbar region of the vertebral column and brim of the lesser pelvis. It joins the iliacus muscle to form the iliopsoas. In less than 50 per cent of subjects[1] the psoas major is accompanied by the psoas minor.

Contents

[edit] Location

[edit] Origin

The psoas major is divided into a superficial and deep part. The deep part originates from the costal processes of lumbar vertebrae I-V. The superficial part originates from the lateral surfaces of the last thoracic vertebra, lumbar vertebrae I-IV, and from neighbouring invertebral discs. The lumbar plexus lies between the two layers. [1]

[edit] Insertion

Joined by the iliacus, psoas major forms the iliopsoas which is surrounded by the iliac fascia. The iliopsoas runs across the iliopubic eminence through the muscular lacuna to its insertion on the lesser trochanter of the femur. The iliopectineal bursa separates the bone from the muscle at the level of the iliopubic eminence. The iliac subtendinous bursa lies between the lesser trochanter and the attachment of the iliopsoas. [1]

[edit] Function

As part of the iliopsoas, psoas major contributes to flexion and external rotation in the hip joint. On the lumbar spine, unilateral contraction bends the trunk laterally, while bilateral contraction raises the trunk from its supine position. [2]

It forms part of a group of muscles called the hip flexors, whose action is primarily to lift the upper leg towards the body when the body is fixed or to pull the body towards the leg when the leg is fixed.

For example, when doing a sit up that brings the torso (including the lower back) away from the ground and towards the front of the leg, the hip flexors (including the iliopsoas) will flex the spine upon the pelvis.

[edit] See also

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ a b c Platzer (2004), p 234
  2. ^ Thieme Atlas of Anatomy (2006), p 422

[edit] References

  • Platzer, Werner (2004). Color Atlas of Human Anatomy, Vol. 1: Locomotor System (5th ed.). Thieme. ISBN 3-13-533305-1. 
  • Thieme Atlas of Anatomy: General Anatomy and Musculoskeletal System. Thieme. 2006. ISBN 1-58890-419-9. 

[edit] Additional images

[edit] External links

This article was originally based on an entry from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy. As such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated.

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