EN | DE | PT Get help How to study Login Register
Anatomy
Basics
Terminology First look at bones and muscles First look at neurovasculature First look at the systems
Upper extremity
Shoulder and arm Elbow and forearm Wrist and hand Neurovasculature of the upper limb
Lower extremity
Hip and thigh Knee and leg Ankle and foot Neurovasculature of the lower limb
Spine and back
Spine Back
Thorax
Thoracic wall Female breast Mediastinum Esophagus Lungs Heart Diaphragm
Abdomen and pelvis
Abdominal wall Peritoneal cavity Stomach Spleen Liver Pancreas Small intestine Large intestine Kidneys Ureter Pelvis Urinary bladder and urethra Female reproductive organs Male reproductive organs Blood vessels of the abdomen and pelvis Lymphatics of the abdomen and the pelvis
Head and neck
Skull Head Orbit and contents Nasal region Ear Teeth Oral cavity Pharynx Neck Neurovasculature of the head and neck
Neuroanatomy
Cerebrum Subcortical structures Cerebellum and brainstem Ventricles, meninges and blood vessels of the brain Spinal cord Pathways of the nervous system Cranial nerves Peripheral nervous system
Cross sections
Head and neck Upper extremity Thorax Abdomen Male pelvis Female pelvis Lower extremity
Histology
General
Introduction to cells and tissues Epithelial tissue Connective tissue Nervous tissue Muscle tissue Cartilage and bone
Systems
Cardiovascular system Nervous system Integumentary system Musculoskeletal system Respiratory system Excretory system Endocrine system Digestive system Lymphatic system Male reproductive system Female reproductive system
Fetal tissues
Head and neck Trunk and limbs
Medical imaging
Head and neck
Head: Axial CT Brain: Axial MRI T2 Face: Axial MRI T2 Neck: Axial CT
Abdomen and pelvis
Abdomen: Axial MRI T2 Abdomen: Axial CT Female pelvis: Axial CT
Upper extremity
Shoulder: Axial MRI PD Wrist: Axial MRI T1
Lower extremity
Knee: Axial MRI
Thorax
Chest X-ray
AnatomyLower extremityHip and thigh
Psoas minor muscle

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!

Go Premium

Psoas minor muscle: want to learn more about it?

Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.

Sign up for your free Kenhub account today and join over 1,244,075 successful anatomy students.

Create your free account

“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.” – Read more. Kim Bengochea Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver

Psoas minor muscle

Last reviewed: December 13, 2019

Often overlooked due to the fact that is sometimes absent, the psoas minor deserves a few moments in the limelight! Check out this short article to find out all you need to know about this muscle! 

Quick facts about the psoas minor muscle
Origin  Vertebral bodies of T12 & L1 vertebrae
Insertion Iliopubic eminence, Pectineal line of pubis
Innervation  Branches of lumbar plexus (L1-L3)
Functions   Weak trunk flexion; Trunk lateral flexion

Contents
  1. Anatomy
  2. Innervation
  3. Function
  4. Psoas minor syndrome
  5. Related diagrams and images
+ Show all

Anatomy

The psoas minor muscle is a long, slim muscle of the hip joint that runs ventrally to the iliopsoas. Together they make up the inner hip muscles. The psoas minor originates from the lateral surface of the 12th thoracic and 1st lumbar vertebrae, in addition to the intervertebral disc interposed between. Distally, its relatively long tendon inserts on the iliopubic eminence and pectineal line of the pubis. Additionally, fibers of the insertion tendon are attached to the iliac fascia.

Psoas minor muscle (ventral view)

Innervation

The psoas minor is innervated by direct branches of the lumbar plexus (L1-L3). As the muscle lies deep inside the abdomen it is practically not possible to be felt from the outside. The psoas minor is an inconstant muscle and is not found in about 40-70% of all people. You often find instead a thin ligament or broadening of the medial part of the iliopsoas.

Recommended video: Psoas minor
Attachments, innervation and functions of the psoas minor muscle.

Function

As an inner hip muscle, the psoas minor contributes to the stabilization of the pelvis. A unilateral contraction may weakly assist in flexing the lumbar vertebral column to the side (lateral flexion), while a bilateral activation may similarly flex the trunk to the front ( flexion). All in all, this muscle's functions show that it plays a rather subordinate role.

Psoas minor syndrome

Usually the muscle inserts at the pelvis but sometimes the insertion tendon can descend further down up to the femur making it proner to overstrain. In the long run, it becomes stiff and less flexible (psoas minor syndrome). In addition to the limited movement of the hip, this can also result in the development of a malposition of the vertebral column. The affected patients, mostly female teenagers, present with pain in the lower abdomen which is why the psoas minor syndrome is often mistaken for appendicitis. A simple surgical division of the tendon (tenotomy) can completely eliminate any discomfort and restore functionality.

Psoas minor muscle: want to learn more about it?

Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.

Sign up for your free Kenhub account today and join over 1,244,075 successful anatomy students.

Create your free account

“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.” – Read more. Kim Bengochea Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver

Show references

References:

  • D. Drenckhahn/J. Waschke: Taschenbuch Anatomie, 1st edition, Urban & Fischer Verlag/Elsevier (2008), p. 76
  • Faris et al.: Morphological and morphometric analysis of psoas minor muscle in cadavers, Journal of Morphological Science (2012), vol. 29, no. 4, p. 202-205
  • J. G. Travell/D. G. Simons: Myofascial pain and dysfunction, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins (1998), vol. 1, 2nd edition, p. 95

Author:

  • Achudhan Karunaharamoorthy

Illustrators:

  • Psoas minor muscle (ventral view) - Liene Znotina
© Unless stated otherwise, all content, including illustrations are exclusive property of Kenhub GmbH, and are protected by German and international copyright laws. All rights reserved.

Related diagrams and images

Continue your learning

Read more articles

Hip adductors
This article covers the anatomy and function of the adductor muscles of the hip, including the adductor longus and adductor brevis. Start learning here.
Posterior hip musculature
The Hip Musculature and especially the posterior hip musculature are important muscle groups of the leg. Learn more about this topic at Kenhub!
Iliopsoas muscle
This article covers the anatomy of the iliopsoas muscle, including its function, blood supply, and innervation. Learn more about this topic at Kenhub!
Gluteus maximus muscle
The Gluteus Maximus Muscle is a muscle of the buttock muscle group. Learn more about its origin, insertion, function and supply!
Gluteus medius and minimus muscles
In this article, we'll cover the anatomy and actions of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, including some related clinical notes. Start learning here.
Tensor fasciae latae muscle
This article covers the anatomy, innervation, function and clinical aspects of the tensor fasciae latae muscle. Learn all about this topic at Kenhub!
Piriformis muscle
This article explains the anatomy of the piriformis muscle, focusing on location, origin and insertion and clinical points. Learn this topic now at Kenhub!
Quadriceps femoris muscle
This article describes the anatomy of the quadriceps femoris muscle, including the origin, insertion and functions. Learn this topic now at Kenhub!
Adductor longus muscle
This article covers the anatomy of the adductor longus muscle, its origin and insertion, innervation and function. Learn this topic now at Kenhub!
Fasciae of the hip and thigh
This is an article describing the structure and function of the fasciae of the hip and thigh and clinical pathology. Learn this topic now at Kenhub.
Hip and thigh anatomy
This page discusses the anatomy of the hip and thigh. Click now to learn more about pelvis, femur, hip and thigh muscles now at Kenhub!
Hip joint
Overview about the anatomy of the hip joint, including bones, ligaments, muscles, mechanics and neurovasculature. Learn all about it now at Kenhub.
Femur
This article covers the anatomy of the femur, its bony elements, and the muscle attachments. Learn the femur bone now at Kenhub.
Femoral nerve
This is an article covering the basic anatomy, embryology, motor role and sensory role of the femoral nerve. Learn about this topic now at Kenhub!
Inguinal canal
This article covers the anatomy of the inguinal canal, including contents, borders and related clinical aspects, such as hernias. Learn all about it here!
Femoral triangle
This article describes the anatomy of the femoral triangle, its borders, contents, and easy to remember mnemonics. Click now to learn more at Kenhub!
Sartorius muscle
The sartorius is a long, superficial muscle formally belonging to the thigh extensors. Learn all about origin, insertion, innervation and actions.
Posterior thigh muscles
This is an article covering the gross anatomy, vascular supply and clinical pathology of the posterior thigh muscles. Learn about this topic now at Kenhub!
Hip and thigh muscles
In this article we describe the hip and thigh muscles. Learn the iliopsoas, gluteal and hip adductors with diagrams now at Kenhub
Superior gemellus muscle
Superior gemellus is a deep gluteal muscle that acts on the hip joint and stabilizes the pelvis. Learn about its anatomy and function now at Kenhub!
Inferior gemellus muscle
Inferior gemellus is an accessory muscle to obturator internus located in the gluteal region. Learn the anatomy and function of this muscle at Kenhub!
Adductor brevis muscle
Adductor brevis is an adductor of the thigh that acts on the hip joint. Click now to learn more about the anatomy and functions of this muscle at Kenhub!
Gracilis muscle
Gracilis is the only adductor of the thigh that crosses and acts on two joints; the hip and knee. Learn more about the anatomy of this muscle at Kenhub!
Semitendinosus muscle
Semitendinosus is a hamstring muscle acting on both hip and knee joints. Learn everything about the anatomy and function of this muscle at Kenhub!
Quadratus femoris muscle
Quadratus femoris is a gluteal muscle that acts on the hip joint. Learn about the anatomy and function of quadratus femoris at Kenhub!
Semimembranosus muscle
Semimembranosus is a hamstring muscle that acts on the hip and knee joints. Learn more about its anatomy and functions at Kenhub!
Adductor magnus muscle
Adductor magnus is a muscle in the medial thigh that performs adduction at the hip joint. Learn about its anatomy at Kenhub!
Obturator externus muscle
Obturator externus is a short muscle of the gluteal region that acts upon the hip joint. Learn its anatomy and function now at Kenhub!
Obturator internus muscle
Obturator internus is considered as a lower limb muscle that acts as lateral rotator of the extended thigh. Learn much more about its anatomy at Kenhub!
Pectineus muscle
Pectineus is a short muscle attaching between the pubis and proximal femur. Learn about its anatomy and function at Kenhub!
Biceps femoris muscle
Biceps femoris is an important thigh muscle that acts on both knee and hip joints simultaneously. Learn about its anatomy and function at Kenhub!
Psoas major muscle
Psoas major is an inner hip muscle that works with iliacus to flex and laterally rotate the thigh. Learn more about its anatomy and functions at Kenhub!
3D muscle anatomy videos
Check out our 3D muscle anatomy videos which describe the anatomy and functions of muscles using our 3D anatomy model. Click now to learn more at Kenhub!
Show 31 more articles

Watch videos

Muscles of the hip and thigh
Overview of the muscles of the hip and thigh. [17:01]
Inner hip muscles
Origins, insertions, innervation and functions of the inner hip muscles. [10:32]
Gluteal muscles
Origins, insertions, innervation and functions of the gluteal muscles. [19:45]
Muscles of the anterior thigh
Origins, insertions, innervation and functions of the muscles of the anterior thigh. [16:03]
Muscles of the posterior thigh
Origins, insertions, innervation and functions of the muscles of the posterior thigh. [13:33]
Adductors of the thigh
Origins, insertions, innervation and functions of the adductors of the thigh. [16:39]
Functions of sartorius muscle
Functions and anatomy of the sartorius muscle shown with 3D model animation. [04:10]
Functions of the semitendinosus muscle
Functions and anatomy of the semitendinosus muscle shown with 3D model animation. [04:37]
Functions of the vastus intermedius muscle
Functions and anatomy of the vastus intermedius muscle shown with 3D model animation. [03:13]
Functions of the vastus lateralis muscle
Functions and anatomy of the vastus lateralis muscle shown with 3D model animation. [03:47]
Functions of the vastus medialis muscle
Functions and anatomy of the vastus medialis muscle shown with 3D model animation. [04:22]
Functions of the rectus femoris muscle
Functions and anatomy of the rectus femoris muscle shown with 3D model animation. [03:54]
Functions of the pectineus muscle
Functions and anatomy of the pectineus muscle shown with 3D model animation. [04:21]
Functions of the semimembranosus muscle
Functions and anatomy of the semimembranosus muscle shown with 3D model animation. [03:26]
Functions of the biceps femoris muscle
Functions and anatomy of the biceps femoris muscle shown with 3D model animation. [07:24]
Functions of the adductor longus muscle
Functions and anatomy of the adductor longus muscle shown with 3D model animation. [05:32]
Functions of the adductor brevis muscle
Functions and anatomy of the adductor brevis muscle shown with 3D model animation. [05:25]
Functions of the gracilis muscle
Functions and anatomy of the gracilis muscle shown with 3D model animation. [07:36]
Functions of the adductor magnus muscle
Functions and anatomy of the adductor magnus muscle shown with 3D model animation. [09:02]
Functions of the adductor minimus muscle
Functions and anatomy of the adductor minimus muscle shown with 3D model animation. [03:34]
Adductor canal
Structure, definition, muscles, boundaries and contents of the adductor canal. [12:42]
Functions of the quadratus femoris muscle
Functions and anatomy of the quadratus femoris muscle shown with 3D model animation. [05:56]
Functions of the gemelli muscles
Functions and anatomy of the gemelli muscles shown with 3D model animation. [06:06]
Functions of the obturator internus muscle
Functions and anatomy of the obturator internus muscle shown with 3D model animation. [04:51]
Functions of the piriformis muscle
Functions and anatomy of the piriformis muscle shown with 3D model animation. [06:17]
Functions of the obturator externus muscle
Functions and anatomy of the obturator externus muscle shown with 3D model animation. [04:16]
Functions of the iliopsoas muscle
Functions and anatomy of the iliopsoas muscle shown with 3D model animation. [07:18]
Functions of the gluteus maximus
Functions and anatomy of the gluteus maximus muscle shown with 3D model animation. [05:52]
Functions of the gluteus medius
Functions and anatomy of the gluteus medius muscle shown with 3D model animation. [04:49]
Show 27 more videos

Take a quiz

Muscles of the hip and thigh
Overview of the muscles of the hip and thigh.
Custom quiz: Hip and thigh
For a broader topic focus, try this customizable quiz.

Browse atlas

Muscles of the hip and thigh
Overview of the muscles of the hip and thigh.
Well done!

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!