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This is the name given to a thickening of the deep fascia of the outside of the thigh. At its upper end it is attached to the iliac crest of the hip bone; at its lower end to the lateral condyle of the tibia. Two muscles insert into the iliotibial tract a) gluteus maximus and b) tensor fasciae latae. The tract can be thought of as an extended tendon of these two muscles by which it acts as an important brace for the limb, steadying the pelvis and assisting in knee extension. It thus helps in converting the limb into a rigid, vertical, weight-bearing pillar - a role which it must adopt for bipedal stance. |