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AnatomyLower limbHip and thighGreater trochanter of femur
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AnatomyLower limbHip and thighGreater trochanter of femur

Greater trochanter of femur

Author: Edwin Ocran, MBChB, MSc • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: March 12, 2024
Reading time: 2 minutes

Recommended video: Femur [12:12]
Anatomy and function of the thigh bone.
Greater trochanter of femur
Trochanter major ossis femoris
1/5
Synonyms: none

The greater trochanter of femur is a prominent, palpable bony projection located on the upper lateral aspect of the proximal femur and can be felt on the upper lateral side of the thigh. It extends superolaterally from the junction of the neck and shaft of the femur, which is marked by the intertrochanteric line.

The anterolateral surface of the greater trochanter features an elongated ridge, to which the gluteus minimus muscle attaches. Its lateral surface has a similar ridge, positioned more posteriorly, for the attachment of the gluteus medius. On its medial surface, the greater trochanter features a deep depression known as the trochanteric fossa.

The primary function of the greater trochanter is to serve as an attachment site for several muscles in the hip region. Notably, it provides attachments for muscles responsible for abducting and rotating the thigh, including parts of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles, as well as the piriformis, obturator internus, and the superior and inferior gemelli. Additionally, the greater trochanter serves as an attachment point for hip ligaments, which contribute to the stability and integrity of the hip joint.

Terminology English: Greater trochanter of femur

Latin: Trochanter major ossis femoris
Definition Prominent bony projection on the lateral aspect of the proximal femur
Function Attachment site for muscles that move and stabilize the hip joint

Learn more about the greater trochanter of femur in the following study unit:

Femur 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.
  • Drake, R., Vogl, W., Mitchell, A. & Gray, H. (2015). Gray's anatomy for students. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.
  • McKinley, M. & Loughlin, V. (2012). Human anatomy. New York: McGraw-Hill.
    Mescher, A. L., & Junqueira, L. C. (2013).
  • 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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