10 Hip Anatomy Facts

Here are 10 essential facts about hip anatomy.

1. Hip Joint Structure

• The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the head of the femur and the acetabulum of the pelvis, allowing for a wide range of motion.

2. Acetabulum

• The acetabulum is a deep, cup-shaped socket in the pelvic bone that significantly increases joint stability and is formed by the ilium, ischium, and pubis.

3. Ligaments of the Hip

• Key ligaments include the iliofemoral ligament (the strongest ligament in the body), ischiofemoral ligament, and pubofemoral ligament, which help stabilize the joint and limit excessive movement.

4. Hip Capsule

• The hip joint is surrounded by a strong fibrous capsule, which provides stability and contains synovial fluid, aiding in joint lubrication and nutrition.

5. Muscles Around the Hip

• Important muscles include the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, iliopsoas (psoas major and iliacus), and the adductor group, which facilitate hip movements like flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.

6. Blood Supply

• The hip joint receives its blood supply mainly from the medial and lateral femoral circumflex arteries, branches of the profunda femoris (deep femoral) artery.

7. Nerve Supply

• The hip joint is innervated by branches of the lumbar plexus, particularly the femoral nerve, obturator nerve, and sciatic nerve, which provide sensory and motor functions.

8. Bursae

• The hip joint has several bursae, including the iliopsoas bursa and greater trochanteric bursa, which reduce friction between bones and soft tissues during movement.

9. Hip Pathologies

• Understanding hip anatomy is crucial for diagnosing common conditions such as hip osteoarthritis, femoral neck fractures, and hip labral tears, which can lead to pain and functional limitations.

10. Weight-Bearing Function

• The hip joint plays a vital role in weight-bearing and locomotion, as it supports the body’s weight during standing, walking, and running, making it essential for mobility.