Articularis coxae muscle

The articularis coxae muscle is a small fusiform muscle located around the hip joint. It is not always present; it does not exist in ruminants and pigs, whereas in other species such as humans it is inconsistent.

Conformation: The fleshy body of this muscle is vertically elongated and fusiform. On both sides, it ends in two small tendinous extremities.

Origin: Above the border of the acetabulum, on the ilium.

Insertion: At the proximal end of the cranial border of the femur.

Relations: Its origin is covered by the rectus femoris muscle, and it is then surrounded by the various vastus muscles. It adheres to the hip joint capsule.

Action: It only causes lifting of the joint capsule, probably serving the proprioception of the hip joint.

Nerve: Divisions of the cranial gluteal nerve.

Description: The articularis coxae muscle is a muscle of the pelvic limb, located near the hip joint. It originates above the edge of the acetabulum on the ilium bone. It starts as a small tendon before extending vertically as a long, fusiform fleshy body and then becoming a tendon again, which inserts near the proximal end of the cranial edge of the femur. At the start of its path, this muscle is covered by the rectus femoris muscle and then continues between the vastus muscles. Along its path, it attaches to the coxofemoral joint capsule. The main action of this muscle is to lift this capsule; it has no significant mechanical action. It probably plays a role in the proprioception of the hip joint. It is innervated by divisions of the cranial gluteal nerve.

Variations:

• In equines, this muscle is always present, thin, and inserts lower on the femur, on the proximal quarter of the cranial border of the femur.