The anterior superior iliac spine (
abbreviated: ASIS) is a bony projection of the
iliac bone
The ilium () (plural ilia) is the uppermost and largest part of the hip bone, and appears in most vertebrates including mammals and birds, but not bony fish. All reptiles have an ilium except snakes, although some snake species have a tiny bon ...
, and an important landmark of
surface anatomy. It refers to the anterior extremity of the
iliac crest of the
pelvis. It provides attachment for the
inguinal ligament, and the
sartorius muscle.
The
tensor fasciae latae muscle attaches to the lateral aspect of the superior anterior iliac spine, and also about 5
cm away at the
iliac tubercle.
Structure
The anterior superior iliac spine refers to the anterior extremity of the
iliac crest of the
pelvis. This is a key
surface landmark, and easily
palpated. It provides attachment for the
inguinal ligament, the
sartorius muscle,
and the
tensor fasciae latae muscle.
A variety of structures lie close to the anterior superior iliac spine, including the
subcostal nerve
The subcostal nerve (anterior division of the twelfth thoracic nerve) is larger than the others. It runs along the lower border of the twelfth rib, often gives a communicating branch to the first lumbar nerve, and passes under the lateral lumbocost ...
,
the
femoral artery (which passes between it and the
pubic symphysis),
and the
iliohypogastric nerve.
Clinical significance
The anterior superior iliac spine provides a clue in identifying some other clinical landmarks, including
McBurney's point,
Roser-Nélaton line, and true leg length. It is an important surface landmark for various
surgical approaches, such as treatment of
hernia.
The severity of symptoms of damage to the
iliohypogastric nerve can show whether damage occurred above or below the anterior superior iliac spine.
Bone may be
harvested from the nearby iliac crest for use elsewhere in the body.
As the
subcostal nerve
The subcostal nerve (anterior division of the twelfth thoracic nerve) is larger than the others. It runs along the lower border of the twelfth rib, often gives a communicating branch to the first lumbar nerve, and passes under the lateral lumbocost ...
lies close to the anterior superior iliac spine, this is put at risk of damage.
The
iliotibial tract may be irritated where it passes over the anterior superior iliac spine in
iliotibial band syndrome.
Additional images
Image:Gray235.png, Right hip bone. External surface.
Image:Gray236.png, Right hip bone. Internal surface.
Image:Gray393.png, The subcutaneous inguinal ring.
Image:Sobo 1909 573-574.png, ASIS visible at top left, as the origin of several muscles.
McBurney's point.jpg, Location of McBurney's point (1), which is located two thirds the distance from the umbilicus (2) to the anterior superior iliac spine (3).
See also
*
Bone terminology
*
Anatomical terms of location
Standard anatomical terms of location are used to unambiguously describe the anatomy of animals, including humans. The terms, typically derived from Latin or Greek roots, describe something in its standard anatomical position. This position p ...
*
Ilium (bone)
*
Human anatomical terms
References
External links
* – "Major Joints of the Lower Extremity: Hip bone (lateral view)"
* – "Anterior Abdominal Wall: Osteology and Surface Anatomy"
*
Diagram at Wayne State
Skeletal system
Bones of the pelvis
Ilium (bone)
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