Psoas minor - Visible Human Project - Abdomen - e-Anatomy
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Psoas minor

Psoas minor

  • Latin synonym: Musculus minor psoae
  • Synonym: Psoas minor muscle
  • Related terms: Psoas minor muscle

Definition

Antoine Micheau & Muhammad A. Javaid

Psoas minor

Origin

Bodies of T12 and L1 vertebrae, and the intervertebral disc between them.

Insertion

Pectineal line and iliopectineal eminence of the pelvic bone.

Artery

Lumbar arteries (branches of abdominal aorta)

Innervation

Anterior ramus of L1 spinal nerve.

Action

Weak trunk flexor

Antagonist

Gluteus maximus

The psoas minor is a small, slender muscle that lies anterior to the psoas major. It originates from the lateral surfaces of the T12 and L1 vertebral bodies and the intervening intervertebral disc. The muscle tapers into a long, flat tendon that inserts onto the pectineal line, the iliopectineal eminence, and, along its lateral border, the iliac fascia. Notably, the psoas minor is frequently absent in individuals.

References

  • Siccardi MA, Tariq MA, Valle C. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Psoas Major. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535418/

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