Femur shaft

Femur Shaft

The femur shaft is the long, straight part of the femur, also known as the thighbone, which is the longest and strongest bone in the human body. It extends from the hip joint to the knee joint, and its primary function is to support the weight of the body and facilitate movement.

Anatomy

The femur shaft is cylindrical in shape and slightly curved, with the convexity facing forwards. It is surrounded by many muscles, including the quadriceps femoris and hamstrings, which are responsible for extending and flexing the knee, respectively. The femur shaft is covered by a tough, fibrous tissue called the periosteum, which provides nourishment and assists in fracture healing.

Function

The femur shaft plays a crucial role in human locomotion. It acts as a lever arm during walking, running, and jumping, allowing for efficient movement. The strength of the femur shaft also enables it to bear the body's weight, even under high stress conditions.

Clinical Significance

Fractures of the femur shaft are relatively common and can occur as a result of high-energy trauma, such as a car accident, or low-energy trauma in individuals with weakened bones, such as those with osteoporosis. Treatment typically involves surgery to realign and stabilize the bone, followed by a period of rehabilitation.

See Also

• Femur
• Hip joint
• Knee joint
• Quadriceps femoris
• Hamstrings
• Periosteum
• Osteoporosis