Psoas Major: Difference between revisions

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== Description ==
== Introduction ==
[[Image:Psoas major.gif|alt=Rotating image of the Psoas muscle of the upper leg|frame|Rotating image of the Psoas muscle of the upper leg]]The psoas muscle is a [[Paraspinal Muscles|paraspinal muscle]] located deep in the body, very close to the spine and the brim of the lesser [[pelvis]]. At its distal end, it combines with the [[iliacus]] muscle to form the iliopsoas muscle. This depth, combined with the fact that the psoas originates from the sides of the five lumbar vertebrae, means it plays an important role in back health. It is popularly called the soul muscle.
[[File:Psoas_major.gif|alt=Rotating image of the Psoas muscle of the upper leg|right|frameless|200x200px]]
 
The psoas muscle is a [[Paraspinal Muscles|paraspinal muscle]] located deep in the body. It lays close to the spine on either side and extends distally to the brim of the lesser [[pelvis]]. It combines with the [[iliacus]] muscle to form the iliopsoas muscle closer to the insertion point. Due to its proximity to the lumbar vertebrae, it plays an important role in back health. It also acts to both laterally flex the lumbar spine and assists with flexion and external rotation of the hip.<ref name=":2">Bogduk NP, Pearcy M, Hadfield G. Anatomy and biomechanics of psoas major. Clinical Biomechanics. 1992 May 1;7(2):109-19.</ref> <ref name=":3">Siccardi MA, Tariq MA, Valle C. Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb, psoas major.</ref>It is essential for correct standing or sitting lumbar posture, stability of the hip joint, and during walking and running<ref name=":1">Bordoni B, Varacallo M. Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb, Iliopsoas Muscle.</ref>.  
# It also acts to both laterally flex the lumbar spine as well as stabilize and flex the thigh.<ref name=":2">Radiopedoa [https://radiopaedia.org/articles/psoas-major-muscle-1?lang=us Psoas Major] Available: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/psoas-major-muscle-1?lang=us<nowiki/>(accessed 16.1.2022)</ref> <ref name=":0">Very well health [https://www.verywellhealth.com/psoas-muscle-and-your-low-back-health-297061 Psoas Muscle and Your Low Back Health] Available:https://www.verywellhealth.com/psoas-muscle-and-your-low-back-health-297061 (accessed 16.1.2022)</ref>
# It is essential for correct standing or sitting lumbar posture, stability of the hip joint, and during walking and running<ref name=":1">Bordoni B, Varacallo M. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531508/ Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Iliopsoas Muscle.] StatPearls [Internet]. 2021 Jul 21. Available:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531508/ (accessed 16.1.2022)</ref>.  
== Anatomy ==
== Anatomy ==
'''Origin'''
'''Origin'''
[[File:Psoas major muscle - Kenhub.png|alt=Psoas major muscle (highlighted in green) - anterior view|right|frameless|500x500px|Psoas major muscle (highlighted in green) - anterior view]]
[[File:Anterior Hip Muscles.png|alt=Psoas major muscle (highlighted in green) - anterior view|right|frameless|330x330px]]
The psoas muscle is anatomically considered to have superficial and deep parts owing to the presence of branches of the lumbar plexus running through it. Superficial part - overlies the lumbar plexus and takes origin from the sides of the T12 and L1 to L4 vertebrae including the intervening intervertebral discs. The deep part which lies mainly deep to the branches of the lumbar plexus takes origin from the transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae L1 to L5.  
The psoas muscle contains superficial and deep parts owing to the presence of branches of the lumbar plexus running through it. Superficially, it originates along the lateral surface of the distal thoracic vertebrae and adjacent intervertebral discs. The deeper portion originates at the first four lumbar vertebrae.<ref name=":3" />


Image: Psoas major muscle (highlighted in green) - anterior view <ref > Psoas major muscle (highlighted in green) - anterior view image - © Kenhub https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/psoas-major-muscle </ref>
'''Insertion'''


'''Insertion'''
The fibres of the muscle converge from its wide origin as they descend on the posterior abdominal wall. They cross the pelvic inlet to form a long tendon, which is joined within the pelvic region by  fibres from the iliacus muscle, finally inserting into the lesser trochanter of the femur. 


The fibres of the muscle converge from its wide origin as they descend on the posterior abdominal wall, They cross the pelvic inlet/brim to form a long tendon, which is joined within the pelvic region by multitudinous fibres from the iliacus muscle, finally inserting into the lesser trochanter of the femur. 
'''Bursa'''


'''Bursa'''[[File:Iliopsoas bursa.jpeg|alt=Psoas major of right side - outline and attachment-areas.|thumb|300x300px|Psoas major of right side - outline and attachment-areas.  ]]Below the insertional tendinous unit is the iliopsoas bursa, which separates the tendon from the bone surface and the proximal portion of the femur.       
Below the insertional tendinous unit is the iliopsoas bursa, which separates the tendon from the bone surface and the proximal portion of the femur.       


'''Fibre Types'''  
'''Fibre Types'''  


In humans, the psoas major [[Muscle Fibre Types|muscle fibres]] are mainly represented by [[Anaerobic Exercise|anaerobic]], fast oxidative (about 60%), while the remaining percentage consists of aerobic, slow oxidative (about 40%).
In humans, the psoas major [[Muscle Fibre Types|muscle fibres]] are mainly represented by [[Anaerobic Exercise|anaerobic]], fast oxidative (about 60%), while the remaining percentage consists of aerobic, slow oxidative (about 40%). This demonstrates the psoas muscle's important role in dynamic function and simultaneous role for postural support. At the site of its origin, there are more anaerobic fibres present for static (postural) function. Distally and closer to the insertion point, there are more [[Aerobic Exercise|aerobic]] fibres to assist with dynamic function<ref name=":1" />.


# At the lumbar level (origin) there are more anaerobic fibres ie [[Posture|postural]], static function
# At the hip joint there are more [[Aerobic Exercise|aerobic]] fibres ie dynamic function<ref name=":1" />.
[[File:Lumbar plexus in abdominal cavity.png|alt=Lumbar plexus in abdominal cavity. The lumbar plexus is embedded within the Psoas major muscle and its branches emerge from it.|thumb|354x354px|Lumbar plexus in abdominal cavity. The lumbar plexus is embedded within the Psoas major muscle and its branches emerge from it. ]]
'''Nerve Supply'''
'''Nerve Supply'''


Branches from the ventral rami of lumbar spinal nerves (L1, L2, and L3) before they join to form the [[Lumbar Plexus|lumbar plexus.]] The lumbar plexus is embedded within the Psoas major muscle and its branches emerge from it.<ref name=":2" />
Branches from the anterior rami of lumbar spinal nerves L1-L4 before they join to form the [[Lumbar Plexus|lumbar plexus.]] The lumbar plexus is embedded within the psoas major muscle and its branches emerge from it.<ref name=":2" />The psoas muscle also receives small branches from the femoral nerve.
 
'''Image 4''': Lumbar plexus in abdominal cavity. The lumbar plexus is embedded within the Psoas major muscle and its branches emerge from it.  


'''Blood Supply'''
'''Blood Supply'''


The muscle receives [[Blood Physiology|blood]] from the four lumbar arteries from the [[aorta]], from small branches of the renal arteries, from small muscular branches of the common iliac artery, and from the deep circumflex iliac artery<ref>http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/psoas</ref>.&nbsp;
The muscle receives [[Blood Physiology|blood]] from the four lumbar arteries from the [[aorta]], from small branches of the renal arteries, from small muscular branches of the common iliac artery, and from the deep circumflex iliac artery<ref>http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/psoas</ref>.&nbsp;
== Function ==
[[File:Psoas-major.png|473x473px|alt=Psoas major, colorized|thumb|Psoas major]]
The psoas major muscle functions as a static and dynamic muscle. It sits at a juncture between the upper and lower body. Due to its respective origin and insertion points, it also functions as a "front to back" muscle given its placement with various superior, medial, and inferior portions of fascial tissue as it descends through the pelvic cavity. 


'''Fascia'''
The psoas major combines itself with the iliacus muscle. With this contribution, it acts as a hip flexor in both supine and standing. When in a static position (sitting), it acts as a stabilizer for the lumbar spine. The psoas major muscle also stabilizes the femoral head within the acetabulum of the hip in the first 15 degrees of movement. <ref name=":1" />Since the psoas muscle has two segments, one each side of the body, it assist with lateral motions (unilateral side contraction) or with bilateral motions (both right and left psoas major contractions). An example of a bilateral motion is trunk elevation when transitioning from a supine to sitting/standing position.<ref name=":2" />


The psoas muscle is enclosed by the psoas fascia (it is this that retains the pus in a psoas abscess). The psoas fascia invests the surface of the muscle, attached to the vertebral bodies, fibrous arches, and the transverse processes, and extends along the pelvic brim attached to the iliopubic eminence at the margins of the muscle. The lateral edge blends with the anterior layer of the lumbar fascia (over [[Quadratus Lumborum|quadratus lumborum]]).<ref name=":2" />
Since it inserts distally at the lesser trochanter of the femur, it acts as a hip flexor, hip adductor, and hip external rotator. When standing upright, unilateral contraction will yield flexion of the lumbar spine, sidebending the lumbar spine to the ipsilteral side with simultaneous contralateral rotation (e.g., left psoas major contraction will yield sidebending towards the left with rotation to the right).


== Action and Function ==
[[File:Psoas-major.png|473x473px|alt=Psoas major, colorized|thumb|Psoas major, colorized]]
The psoas major muscle functions include:
# To connect the upper body to the lower body, the outside to the inside, the appendicular to the axial skeleton, and the front to the back, with its [[fascia]]<nowiki/>l relationship.
# Combined with the iliopsoas muscle, the psoas is a major contributor of flexion of the hip joint (in a supine position or standing).
# Stabilizes the lumbar spine during the sitting position (see also [[Exercises for Lumbar Instability]])
# Acts as a stabilizer of the femoral head in the hip acetabulum in the first 15 degrees of movement.<ref name=":1" />
# Unilateral contraction of the psoas also helps with lateral motions and bilateral contraction can help elevate the trunk from the supine position.
# The psoas muscle also works in conjunction with the hip flexors to elevate the upper leg towards the body when the body is static or pull the body towards the leg when the leg is in a fixed position.<ref name=":2" />
# It is at its loosest in the quadruped position.
The psoas muscle is also one of the [[Core Muscles|core muscles]].
The psoas muscle is also one of the [[Core Muscles|core muscles]].
== Physiotherapy Relevance ==
== Physiotherapy Relevance ==
[[File:Abdominal curl-CDC strength training for older adults.gif|right|frameless]]
[[File:Abdominal curl-CDC strength training for older adults.gif|right|frameless]]
When your psoas muscle gets too tight or shortened, it may arched back ie [[Low Back Pain Related to Hyperlordosis|lumbar hyperlordosis]], especially if the [[Abdominal Muscles|abdominal muscles]] are challenged eg in [[Curl-ups|curl up]].  
When your psoas muscle gets too tight or shortened, it may arched back ie [[Low Back Pain Related to Hyperlordosis|lumbar hyperlordosis]], especially if the [[Abdominal Muscles|abdominal muscles]] are challenged eg in [[Curl-ups|curl up]].  


If the psoas is weak, it will likely be harder to flex the hip joint, negatively affecting the ability to climb stairs, walk uphill, get up from supine or preparing to stand up from a sitting position<ref name=":0" />.
If the psoas is weak, it will likely be harder to flex the hip joint, negatively affecting the ability to climb stairs, walk uphill, get up from supine or preparing to stand up from a sitting position<ref name=":0">Very well health [https://www.verywellhealth.com/psoas-muscle-and-your-low-back-health-297061 Psoas Muscle and Your Low Back Health] Available:https://www.verywellhealth.com/psoas-muscle-and-your-low-back-health-297061 (accessed 16.1.2022)</ref>.
[[File:Ballet leap.jpeg|alt=A ballerina may experience a psoas strain.   |thumb|225x225px|A ballerina may experience a psoas strain.&nbsp; &nbsp;]]
[[File:Ballet leap.jpeg|alt=A ballerina may experience a psoas strain.   |thumb|225x225px|A ballerina may experience a psoas strain.&nbsp; &nbsp;]]
See also
See also
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* [[Iliopsoas Tendinopathy]]
* [[Iliopsoas Tendinopathy]]
* [[Iliopsoas Bursitis]]
* [[Iliopsoas Bursitis]]
* [[Lower Crossed Syndrome|Lower Crossed Syndrome &nbsp; &nbsp;]] &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;'''''&nbsp;'''''
* [[Lower Crossed Syndrome]]


==Resources==
==Resources==
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{{#ev:youtube|RLNXAs4vWkE}}
{{#ev:youtube|RLNXAs4vWkE}}


== Related links  ==
[http://www.physio-pedia.com/Psoas_Minor Psoas minor]


== References  ==
== References  ==

Revision as of 18:54, 31 March 2024


Introduction[edit | edit source]

Rotating image of the Psoas muscle of the upper leg

The psoas muscle is a paraspinal muscle located deep in the body. It lays close to the spine on either side and extends distally to the brim of the lesser pelvis. It combines with the iliacus muscle to form the iliopsoas muscle closer to the insertion point. Due to its proximity to the lumbar vertebrae, it plays an important role in back health. It also acts to both laterally flex the lumbar spine and assists with flexion and external rotation of the hip.[1] [2]It is essential for correct standing or sitting lumbar posture, stability of the hip joint, and during walking and running[3].

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

Origin

Psoas major muscle (highlighted in green) - anterior view

The psoas muscle contains superficial and deep parts owing to the presence of branches of the lumbar plexus running through it. Superficially, it originates along the lateral surface of the distal thoracic vertebrae and adjacent intervertebral discs. The deeper portion originates at the first four lumbar vertebrae.[2]

Insertion

The fibres of the muscle converge from its wide origin as they descend on the posterior abdominal wall. They cross the pelvic inlet to form a long tendon, which is joined within the pelvic region by fibres from the iliacus muscle, finally inserting into the lesser trochanter of the femur. 

Bursa

Below the insertional tendinous unit is the iliopsoas bursa, which separates the tendon from the bone surface and the proximal portion of the femur.    

Fibre Types

In humans, the psoas major muscle fibres are mainly represented by anaerobic, fast oxidative (about 60%), while the remaining percentage consists of aerobic, slow oxidative (about 40%). This demonstrates the psoas muscle's important role in dynamic function and simultaneous role for postural support. At the site of its origin, there are more anaerobic fibres present for static (postural) function. Distally and closer to the insertion point, there are more aerobic fibres to assist with dynamic function[3].

Nerve Supply

Branches from the anterior rami of lumbar spinal nerves L1-L4 before they join to form the lumbar plexus. The lumbar plexus is embedded within the psoas major muscle and its branches emerge from it.[1]The psoas muscle also receives small branches from the femoral nerve.

Blood Supply

The muscle receives blood from the four lumbar arteries from the aorta, from small branches of the renal arteries, from small muscular branches of the common iliac artery, and from the deep circumflex iliac artery[4]

Function[edit | edit source]

Psoas major, colorized
Psoas major

The psoas major muscle functions as a static and dynamic muscle. It sits at a juncture between the upper and lower body. Due to its respective origin and insertion points, it also functions as a "front to back" muscle given its placement with various superior, medial, and inferior portions of fascial tissue as it descends through the pelvic cavity.

The psoas major combines itself with the iliacus muscle. With this contribution, it acts as a hip flexor in both supine and standing. When in a static position (sitting), it acts as a stabilizer for the lumbar spine. The psoas major muscle also stabilizes the femoral head within the acetabulum of the hip in the first 15 degrees of movement. [3]Since the psoas muscle has two segments, one each side of the body, it assist with lateral motions (unilateral side contraction) or with bilateral motions (both right and left psoas major contractions). An example of a bilateral motion is trunk elevation when transitioning from a supine to sitting/standing position.[1]

Since it inserts distally at the lesser trochanter of the femur, it acts as a hip flexor, hip adductor, and hip external rotator. When standing upright, unilateral contraction will yield flexion of the lumbar spine, sidebending the lumbar spine to the ipsilteral side with simultaneous contralateral rotation (e.g., left psoas major contraction will yield sidebending towards the left with rotation to the right).

The psoas muscle is also one of the core muscles.

Physiotherapy Relevance[edit | edit source]

Abdominal curl-CDC strength training for older adults.gif

When your psoas muscle gets too tight or shortened, it may arched back ie lumbar hyperlordosis, especially if the abdominal muscles are challenged eg in curl up.

If the psoas is weak, it will likely be harder to flex the hip joint, negatively affecting the ability to climb stairs, walk uphill, get up from supine or preparing to stand up from a sitting position[5].

A ballerina may experience a psoas strain.   
A ballerina may experience a psoas strain.   

See also

Resources[edit | edit source]

A good 2 and 1/2 minute video on the anatomy of the psoas major. [6]


References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Bogduk NP, Pearcy M, Hadfield G. Anatomy and biomechanics of psoas major. Clinical Biomechanics. 1992 May 1;7(2):109-19.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Siccardi MA, Tariq MA, Valle C. Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb, psoas major.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Bordoni B, Varacallo M. Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb, Iliopsoas Muscle.
  4. http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/psoas
  5. Very well health Psoas Muscle and Your Low Back Health Available:https://www.verywellhealth.com/psoas-muscle-and-your-low-back-health-297061 (accessed 16.1.2022)
  6. Psoas major muscle video - © Kenhub https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/psoas-major-muscle