Quadratus Femoris
Gluteal & Hip · Lower Limb
The quadratus femoris is a short, flat, quadrilateral muscle among the deep lateral rotators of the hip, lying inferior to the other members of that group. It arises from the lateral border of the ischial tuberosity and runs horizontally to insert on the quadrate tubercle on the intertrochanteric crest of the femur. Its action is lateral rotation of the hip, and it also helps steady the femoral head within the acetabulum. It is innervated by the nerve to quadratus femoris (L4, L5, S1).
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Lateral border of ischial tuberosity
Insertion
Quadrate tubercle on intertrochanteric crest of femur
Action
Lateral rotation of hip; stabilizes femoral head in acetabulum
Nerve
Nerve to quadratus femoris (L4, L5, S1)
Attachments explained
The Quadratus Femoris is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Lateral border of ischial tuberosity
Insertion
Quadrate tubercle on intertrochanteric crest of femur
Action & function
When the Quadratus Femoris contracts, it produces the following movements: Lateral rotation of hip; stabilizes femoral head in acetabulum.
As part of the Gluteal & Hip group of the Lower Limb, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Quadratus Femoris receives its nerve supply from the Nerve to quadratus femoris (L4, L5, S1). This nerve carries fibres from spinal segment(s) L4, L5, S1.
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Nerve to quadratus femoris or to its spinal roots (L4, L5, S1) can weaken or paralyse the Quadratus Femoris, impairing the movements it normally produces (lateral rotation of hip). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Quadratus Femoris (the OIANS method)
Anchor the quadratus femoris by its straightforward geometry: a squarish muscle running horizontally from the ischial tuberosity to the intertrochanteric crest. Because its fibres pull the back of the femur toward the ischium, lateral rotation is the obvious result, and its flat, four-sided shape is exactly what the name quadratus describes.
Group it with the other deep lateral rotators, but distinguish it by nerve and position. It is the lowest of the group and is supplied by its own nerve to quadratus femoris (L4, L5, S1), which also serves the inferior gemellus, so learning that shared supply keeps the small rotators organised.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Quadratus Femoris located?
The Quadratus Femoris is a muscle of the Gluteal & Hip group, located in the Lower Limb.
What is the origin of the Quadratus Femoris?
Lateral border of ischial tuberosity
What is the insertion of the Quadratus Femoris?
Quadrate tubercle on intertrochanteric crest of femur
What movements does the Quadratus Femoris produce?
Lateral rotation of hip; stabilizes femoral head in acetabulum
What nerve supplies the Quadratus Femoris?
Nerve to quadratus femoris (L4, L5, S1)
Is the Quadratus Femoris free to study in OIANS?
The Quadratus Femoris is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Lower Limb is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
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