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Iliofemoral ligament
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:watermark(/images/watermark_only_413.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url_sm.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/ligamentum-iliofemorale/VqSs8BCBa3PAJFPouaQg_Q4m9s4qAMK_Lig_iliofemorale_1.png "Iliofemoral ligament (Ligamentum iliofemorale); Image: Liene Znotina"){kind=logo}
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:watermark(/images/watermark_only_413.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url_sm.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/iliofemoral-ligament-2/4TZfrBmIDKHrNSoIw9tnw_iliofemoral_ligament.png "Iliofemoral ligament (Ligamentum iliofemorale); Image: National Library of Medicine"){kind=logo}
The iliofemoral ligament is a thick capsular ligament found on the anterior and superior aspects of the hip joint, intimately blending with the joint's fibrous capsule. It has an inverted Y-shaped appearance, with proximal attachments between the anterior inferior iliac spine and the acetabular rim, and a distal attachment to the intertrochanteric line. The iliofemoral ligament is composed of two distinguishable parts: the vertically oriented and medial descending part, which is thicker and descends down to the distal end of the intertrochanteric line, and the transverse part, oriented more obliquely towards the proximal end of the intertrochanteric line. The descending part blends with the pubofemoral ligament.
The iliofemoral ligament is said to be the strongest ligament in the body and prevents hyperextension of the hip joint during standing. During hip joint extension, the ligament becomes taught, constricting the fibrous capsule and tightly securing the head of the femur within the acetabulum of the hip.
| Terminology |
English: Iliofemoral ligament Latin: Ligamentum iliofemorale |
| Definition | Thick capsular ligament of the hip joint |
| Attachments | Anterior inferior iliac spine and acetabular rim to the intertrochanteric line |
| Function | Prevent hyperextension of the hip joint |
Learn more about the ligaments of the hip joint with this study unit (and article):
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