Quadratus femoris muscle

The quadratus femoris muscle is a flat, quadrilateral muscle located in the gluteal region of the hip. It originates from the lateral border of the ischial tuberosity and inserts on the quadrate tubercle on the intertrochanteric crest of the femur and the area just inferior to it. This muscle is one of the six short external rotators of the hip, and its primary function is to laterally rotate the femur and stabilize the hip joint.

Origin: Ischial tuberosity

Insertion: quadrate tubercle on intertrochanteric crest

Artery: Inferior gluteal artery

Nerve: Nerve to quadratus femoris (L4, L5, -S1)

Action: Lateral rotation of thigh

Muscle group: Deep gluteal muscles; Lateral rotators of thigh; Short external rotators of the hip

Description: The Quadratus femoris is a flat, quadrilateral muscle, between the Gemellus inferior and the upper margin of the Adductor magnus; it is separated from the latter by the terminal branches of the medial femoral circumflex vessels. It arises from the upper part of the external border of the tuberosity of the ischium, and is inserted onto the quadrate tubercle (the upper part of the linea quadrata that is, the line which extends vertically downward from the intertrochanteric crest). A bursa is often found between the front of this muscle and the lesser trochanter.