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Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL) Muscle Anatomy

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Origin
  • Anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)
  • Anterior aspect of the iliac crest
Insertion
  • Fascia of the iliotibial tract
  • The iliotibial tract inserts onto the iliotibial tubercle (also known as Gerdy’s tubercle)
Action
  • Stabilization of the hip and knee
  • Hip abduction
  • Hip internal rotation
  • Weak hip flexion
  • Knee flexion past 30 degrees
  • Lateral rotation of the tibia
Innervation
  • Superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1)
Blood Supply
  • Deep branch of the superior gluteal artery
Last updated: Estimated Reading Time: 8 min

Location & Overview

The tensor fasciae latae (TFL) is a muscle located in the proximal, anterolateral aspect of the thigh (front and outer part of the thigh). It sits between the deep and superficial fibers of the iliotibial tract, also known as the iliotibial band (ITB). The TFL spans from the anterior portion of the iliac crest to the superior portion of the tibia. It connects to the tibia via the iliotibial tract. The TFL belongs to the muscles of the gluteal region. Other muscles in this region include the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus.[1,2]

The tensor fasciae latae muscle is important for stabilizing the pelvis, especially during activities such as standing, walking, running, jumping, and other lower body movements. It functions in conjunction with the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus muscles. The TFL muscle is connected to the fascia of the iliotibial tract, which in turn provides a link to the gluteus maximus muscle. This is because the gluteus maximus muscle also attaches to the iliotibial tract.[2]

Tensor fasciae latae anterior view
Here, we can see the tensor fasciae latae from an anterior view.
tensor fasciae latae and the iliotibial tract together
Here, we can see an image of the tensor fasciae latae and the iliotibial tract together.
Tensor fasciae latae lateral view
Here, we can see the tensor fasciae latae from a lateral view.
Tensor fasciae latae posterior view
Here, we can see the tensor fasciae latae from a posterior view.
tensor fasciae latae and the iliotibial tract together
Pictured here, we can see the tensor fasciae latae and the iliotibial tract labeled and clearly sectioned.
tensor fasciae latae and iliotibial band highlighted
Here, we can see both the tensor fasciae latae and iliotibial band highlighted in red among the other muscles of the thigh.

Origin & Insertion

The tensor fasciae latae originates from the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the anterior aspect of the iliac crest. As it passes down the thigh, it attaches to the deep and superficial fascia of the iliotibial band. Because of this, the insertion point for the tensor fasciae latae is the iliotibial band. Once the tensor fasciae latae inserts into the iliotibial band, the iliotibial band continues down the leg, where it eventually crosses the knee joint and inserts onto the iliotibial tubercle on the tibia (also known as Gerdy’s tubercle).[1,3,2]

origin point of the tensor fasciae latae on the anterior superior iliac spine
Highlighted in red, we can see the origin point of the tensor fasciae latae on the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the anterior aspect of the iliac crest.
tensor fasciae latae insertion on the fascia of the iliotibial tract
Highlighted in blue, we can see the insertion point of the tensor fasciae latae on the fascia of the iliotibial tract.
iliotibial tract inserting onto the iliotibial tubercle
Highlighted in blue, we can see the insertion point of the iliotibial tract. The tensor fasciae latae inserts into the iliotibial tract and therefore has an indirect connection to the same insertion point. The iliotibial tract inserts onto the iliotibial tubercle (also known as Gerdy’s tubercle).

Action & Function

The TFL muscle assists several muscle groups in stabilizing and moving the hip and knee joints. For instance, it works together with the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus during internal rotation and abduction of the hip. In addition, both the gluteus maximus and TFL are connected to the iliotibial tract via an aponeurosis, allowing the TFL to assist the gluteus maximus in hip abduction. In addition to abduction, the TFL can assist with hip flexion, although it is relatively weak compared to the primary hip flexors, such as the rectus femoris and iliopsoas muscle group.[1,2]

The TFL connects to the iliotibial tract via an aponeurosis. The iliotibial tract then inserts onto the iliotibial tubercle (also known as Gerdy’s tubercle). Because of this, contraction of the TFL can contribute to knee flexion because the iliotibial tract crosses the knee joint. However, the TFL can only contribute to knee flexion beyond approximately 30 degrees. This connection between the TFL and the tibia via the iliotibial tract is how it can assist in stabilization of the knee joint. The TFL can also act on the iliotibial tract to assist in lateral rotation of the tibia.[1,2]

A function of the TFL is to assist in walking. When the TFL contracts, it weakly pulls the ilium inferiorly (hip abduction). This contraction then assists in lifting the hip on the opposite side. This is particularly useful when walking because, during the swing phase of gait, it allows the leg to swing through without hitting the ground.[1,2]

Image of a person demonstrating the movement of hip abduction.
This image shows an example of hip abduction, which involves moving the leg out to the side (laterally). The TFL is a hip abductor. The opposite of hip abduction is hip adduction.
Image of a person demonstrating the movement of internal rotation.
This image depicts an example of hip internal rotation, which involves rotating the leg from the hip joint inward (medially). Internal rotation is also referred to as medial rotation. The TFL muscle functions as a hip internal rotator. The opposite of internal rotation or medial rotation is external rotation or lateral rotation.
Image of a person demonstrating the movement of hip flexion.
In this image, you can see an example of hip flexion, which is the action of raising your leg in front of you and bending your hip. The opposite movement of hip flexion is hip extension. Since the TFL is not considered a primary hip flexor, its contribution to hip flexion is relatively weak.
Image of a person demonstrating the movement of knee flexion.
In this image, you can see an example of knee flexion, which is the action of bending your knee. The opposite movement of knee flexion is knee extension. The TFL is involved in knee flexion when the knee is flexed past a 30-degree bend.
Image of a person demonstrating the movement of lateral rotation of the tibia.
In this image, you can see an example of lateral rotation of the tibia. The TFL can laterally rotate the tibia. Lateral rotation of the tibia involves outward rotation of the shinbone away from the midline of the body. The opposite movement of lateral rotation of the tibia is medial rotation of the tibia.
Remember that the TFL muscle plays a role in stabilizing the hip and knee joints, but these actions are not depicted in the provided illustrations.

Innervation

The TFL is innervated by the superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1), which is a branch of the sacral plexus.[1]

superior gluteal nerve
Pictured here, you can see the superior gluteal nerve, which innervates the TFL.

Blood Supply

Blood is supplied to the TFL by the deep branch of the superior gluteal artery.[1]

References

  1. [1] Trammell AP, Nahian A, Pilson H. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Tensor Fasciae Latae Muscle. (Updated 2022 Aug 8). In: StatPearls (Internet). Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499870/
  2. [2] Moore KL, Agur AMR, Dalley AF. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2017
  3. [3] Hyland S, Graefe SB, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Iliotibial Band (Tract) (Updated 2022 Aug 8). In: StatPearls (Internet). Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537097/

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