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AnatomyLower limbHip and thighAnterior superior iliac spine
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AnatomyLower limbHip and thighAnterior superior iliac spine

Anterior superior iliac spine

Author: Danijel Tosovic, PhD • Reviewer: Declan Tempany, BSc (Hons)
Last reviewed: February 22, 2024
Reading time: 1 minute

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Overview of the bony pelvis.
Anterior superior iliac spine
Spina iliaca anterior superior
1/8
Synonyms: ASIS

The anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) is a prominent and palpable bony projection of the ilium. It is the most anterior part of the ilium and also marks the anterior aspect of the iliac crest, which spans from the ASIS to the posterior superior iliac spine. 

The ASIS serves as an attachment point for the sartorius and tensor fasciae latae muscles, as well as the lateral end of the inguinal ligament. As it is easily palpable,  it clinically serves as an important bony landmark for localizing the inguinal ligament, common femoral artery and base of the vermiform appendix. It is also used as the proximal landmark for measuring true lower limb length. 

Terminology English: Anterior superior iliac spine
Latin: Spina iliaca anterior superior
Definition Prominent bony prominence of the ilium
Attachments Sartorius, tensor fasciae latae, lateral end of inguinal ligament

Learn more about the bony landmarks of the hip bone with this study unit:

Hip bone Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

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