Quadratus femoris

The quadratus femoris (Latin: musculus quadratus femoris) is a flat, small rectangular-shaped pelvic muscle. It stretches between the ischium of the hip bone and the femur. As the quadratus femoris provides lateral rotation of the thigh, it is classified as one of the lateral rotators of the thigh.

Origin

The quadratus femoris muscle originates from the ischial tuberosity.

Insertion

The quadratus femoris inserts on the intertrochanteric crest of the femur.

Action

The quadratus femoris muscle provides external (lateral) rotation of the thigh at the hip joint. Also, it assists in the thigh adduction and stabilization of the hip joint.

Innervation

The quadratus femoris is innervated by the nerve to quadratus femoris (L5 - S1) arising from the sacral plexus.

Blood supply

The quadratus femoris muscle receives arterial blood supply from the inferior gluteal artery - a branch of the internal iliac artery.