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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) {{musculoskeletal-stub