Hip Joint
The hip joint is a ball and socket joint that connects the femur to the pelvis. It is one of the most important joints in the human body, providing support for the weight of the body in both static (standing) and dynamic (walking or running) postures.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The hip joint is formed by the articulation of the head of the femur with the acetabulum of the pelvis. The acetabulum is a deep, cup-shaped cavity that provides a stable socket for the femoral head. The joint is surrounded by a strong fibrous capsule and is reinforced by several ligaments, including the iliofemoral ligament, pubofemoral ligament, and ischiofemoral ligament.
Blood Supply[edit | edit source]
The blood supply to the hip joint is primarily provided by the medial circumflex femoral artery and the lateral circumflex femoral artery. These arteries are branches of the deep artery of the thigh (profunda femoris artery).
Nerve Supply[edit | edit source]
The hip joint receives its nerve supply from the femoral nerve, obturator nerve, and sciatic nerve. These nerves are responsible for both sensory and motor innervation of the joint and surrounding muscles.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of the hip joint is to support the weight of the body in both static and dynamic postures. It allows for a wide range of motion, including flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and rotation. This range of motion is essential for activities such as walking, running, and jumping.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
The hip joint is susceptible to various conditions and injuries, including osteoarthritis, hip fractures, and dislocation. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and stiffness in the hip. Hip fractures are common in the elderly and can result from falls or trauma. Dislocation of the hip joint is less common but can occur due to high-impact injuries.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice
- Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy
External Links[edit | edit source]
- [Hip Joint Anatomy on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hip_joint)
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD