Anatomy and Function of the Anterior Superior Iliac Spine

This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and its significance within the musculoskeletal system. It begins with an introduction highlighting the importance of the musculoskeletal system in daily life, including its roles in movement, breathing, and metabolic functions, such as bone's role in calcium storage and muscle's role in carbohydrate storage. The presentation then delves into the anatomy of the ASIS, describing its location on the ilium and its relationship to the inguinal ligament and sartorius muscle. The functions of the ASIS are outlined, including its role in attachment of muscles and ligaments, and in locomotion and maintaining upper body stability. The presentation details the muscles and bones connected to the ASIS, including the sartorius, rectus femoris, piriformis, gluteus maximus, medius, minimus, iliacus, tensor fasciae latae, and quadratus lumborum. In conclusion, the ASIS is identified as a crucial component of the musculoskeletal system, providing attachment points and facilitating integration of the system.

Transcript of the presentation
Slide 2: Introduction
The musculoskeletal system is of paramount importance in our daily lives. In addition to the
commonly identified actions of bone and muscle to support upright stance, facilitate movement
and breathing, and serve as a protector of our internal organs, these tissues also serve critical
metabolic roles. Bone serves as an internal reservoir for calcium to ensure the proper function of
nerves and muscle, and skeletal muscle is responsible for over 80% of carbohydrate
storage. Recent studies suggest that the skeleton also contributes to glucose homeostasis, further
intertwining the actions of bone and muscle beyond locomotion
Slide 3: Anatomy
Human skeleton, consists of many individual bones and cartilages. ASIS is an important
landmark of the skeleton and surface anatomy. It refers to the anterior extremity of the iliac crest
of the pelvis, which provides attachment for the inguinal ligament, and the sartorius muscle.
Slide 4: Anatomy
The anterior superior iliac spine is the topmost projection on anterior boundary of the ilium. It is
situated at the junction of the anterior border and crest such that its outer border gives attachment
to the fascia lata, and the Tensor fasciæ latæ, its inner border, to the Iliacus; while its extremity
affords attachment to the inguinal ligament and gives origin to the Sartorius. Beneath this
eminence is a notch from which the Sartorius takes origin and across which the lateral femoral

cutaneous nerve passes. The tensor fasciae latae muscle attaches about 5 cm away at the iliac
tubercle.
Slide 5: Functions
The SIS serves three important functions in the musculoskeletal system. The primary role of
ASIS is to keep together the different parts of the pelvis by assisting in attachment. Secondly, it
also helps in the attachment of some muscles and ligaments such as the Sartorius muscle and the
inguinal ligament. Lastly, it has some part in the locomotion and maintenance of the upper body.
Slide 6: Relationship
The ASIS is attached to the neighbouring bones and muscles of the pelvis, some of which have
been displayed in this slide. The first and the immediate neighbor of ASIS is the sartorius muscle
directly attached to it and helps in the movement of knee and hip. The next is the rectus
femoris arising from the ASIS and is a part of the thigh quadriceps. The third closely related
structure is the piriformis, which is responsible for rotating the hip and allowing the movement
of the limbs just below ASIS. Another structure, the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus are
the three fundamental muscles of the emerging from the iliac region. Next, the iliacus
muscle emerges from the iliac fossa and provides flexion in the thigh area. Then, the tensor
fascia latae muscle which originates from the anterior region of the iliac crest, is responsible for
maintaining body balance while walking and standing. Lastly, the quadratus lumborum is among
the most deep-seated abdominal muscles terminating at the ilium.

Slide 7: Conclusion
In conclusion, the anterior and superior iliac spine is an integral element of the musculoskeletal
system, serving as a useful site of attachment for different bones and muscles in the pelvic
region, helping in the integration of the musculoskeletal system.