Origin
Iliac fossa.
Insertion
Femur – lesser trochanter.
Blood supply
Iliolumbar artery, medial femoral circumflex artery.
Nerve supply
Femoral nerve.
Action
It helps to lift the thigh and to lift up the trunk from a lying down position.
Disease/Injury
The most common problem with iliacus muscle is that it gets shortened by prolonged sitting, causing pain. This especially occurs in those who drive frequently for long distances.
Muscle Exercise
To strengthen iliacus muscle, you can perform leg raises. Lie on your back and raise your right leg up until it’s at 90 degrees to your trunk. Hold and bring it down slowly, but do not touch the floor. A few inches above the floor, raise the leg again. Do 15 repetitions and repeat the same with the other leg.
Interesting facts
It is the main muscle used when you climb up the stairs.
