Fascia Lata
Description
Name
- Fascia Lata
- Fascia lata of the thigh
- Deep fascia of the thigh
- Musculus fascia lata
- Femoral fascia
General
- Deep fascia in the musculature of the thigh
- Begins around iliac crest, inguinal ligament
- Ends distal to the bony prominences of the tibia
- It is thickest along the superolateral aspect of the thigh arising from gluteus medius, gluteus maximus
- Also thick around the knee reinforcing the fibers of the quadriceps muscles
- Thinnest where it covers the adductor muscles of the medial thigh
Intermuscular Septa
- Attach centrally to the femur from deeper aspects of the fascia lata
- Medial: separates the anterior thigh compartment from the medial compartment
- Lateral: separates the anterior thigh compartment from the posterior compartment
- Posterior: separates the medial thigh compartment from the posterior compartment
Ovoid Hiatus
- Also known as saphenous opening
- Just inferior to inguinal ligament
- Serves as entry point to efferent lymphatic vessels, great saphenous vein
Relationship to Iliotibial Band
- Longitudinal thickening of the fascia lata
- Strengthened by posterior fibers from gluteus maximus
Relationship to Tensor Fascia Lata
- Gluteal muscle that acts on the hip
- Tightens the fascia lata when activated
Clinical Significance
- Needs to be updated