The iliotibial tract #anatomy #muscles | Dr. Ishtiaque Arafat

The iliotibial band (ITB) is not a muscle—it’s a thick, fibrous band of connective tissue that runs down the outside of the thigh. It originates from the iliac crest (top of the pelvis) and inserts into Gerdy’s tubercle on the lateral aspect of the tibia, just below the knee. It’s not just a passive strap—it acts as an extension of the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) and gluteus maximus, both of which insert into it and generate force through it. Functionally, the ITB helps stabilise the hip and knee

The iliotibial tract is a thickened band of deep fascia that runs down the lateral surface of the thigh. It is formed from the deep fascia of the thigh, the fascia lata, and receives the distal aspects of the gluteus maximus and tensor fasciae latae muscles. The tract acts as an aponeurosis for these two muscles. This structure is sometimes called the iliotibial band or ITB. It’s primary action is to stabilise the hip and knee, though it also supports movements of the hip and knee through the ac