Fascial compartments of thigh
Fascial compartments of thigh refers to the divisions within the thigh that are formed by the fascia lata, the deep fascia of the thigh. These compartments contain muscles that share similar functions and innervation. The thigh is divided into three fascial compartments: the anterior, the medial, and the posterior.
Etymology[edit | edit source]
The term "fascial" is derived from the Latin word "fascia", which means "band". The term "compartment" comes from the Latin "compartiri", which means "to divide". Thus, "fascial compartments" refers to the divisions or sections within a structure that are formed by bands of connective tissue.
Anterior Compartment[edit | edit source]
The anterior compartment is also known as the extensor or dorsal compartment. It is primarily responsible for extension of the leg at the knee and flexion at the hip. The muscles in this compartment include the quadriceps femoris and sartorius. The femoral nerve innervates the anterior compartment.
Medial Compartment[edit | edit source]
The medial compartment, also known as the adductor compartment, contains muscles that are primarily responsible for adduction of the thigh. These muscles include the adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus, gracilis, and obturator externus. The obturator nerve innervates the medial compartment.
Posterior Compartment[edit | edit source]
The posterior compartment, also known as the flexor compartment, contains muscles that are primarily responsible for flexion of the leg at the knee and extension at the hip. These muscles include the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. The sciatic nerve innervates the posterior compartment.
Related Terms[edit | edit source]
- Fascia: A band or sheet of connective tissue that envelops, separates, or binds together muscles and organs.
- Compartment Syndrome: A condition that involves increased pressure within one of the body's compartments, such as the fascial compartments of the thigh, which contains nerves and blood vessels.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
