The tensor muscle of the fascia lata is a fusiform muscle located in the anterolateral region of the thigh. It originates from the anterior extremity of the external lip of the iliac crest, from the anterior superior iliac spine (and from the underlying incisura) and from the superficial face of the average gluteus muscle.
It is inserted at the lateral condyle of the tibia with a tendon which, at the union of the upper third with the middle third of the thigh, merges with the femoral fascia forming the iliotibial tract.
With its action it extends the fascia lata and abducts the thigh. Being a biarticular muscle it also has a weak extensor action of the leg on the cosia. It helps to maintain the physiological valgus of the knee and its lesion or weakness can lead to the appearance of varus.
It is innervated by the superior gluteal nerve L4-S1
| ORIGIN Anterior extremity of the iliac crest, anterior superior iliac spine, superficial face of the average gluteus muscle, deep gluteal fascia |  |
| INSERTION At the lateral condyle of the tibia with a tendon that merges with the femoral fascia forming the iliotibial tract | |
| ACTION The fascia lata is stretched; flexes, abducts and internally rotates the thigh; extends (weakly) the leg over the thigh | |
| INNERVATION Upper gluteus nerve of the sacral plexus (L4, L5, S1) |
| Upper limb | Lower limb | Trunk | Abdomen | Articles |
