Anterior superior iliac spine
| Anterior superior iliac spine | |
|---|---|
 The obturator membrane (anterior superior iliac spine visible in upper right of illustration) | |
 Anterior superior iliac spine labeled second to bottom, right. | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | Spina iliaca anterior superior |
| TA | A02.5.01.111 |
| FMA | 49465 |
The anterior superior iliac spine (abbreviated: ASIS) is a bony projection of the iliac bone and an important landmark of 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. The Tensor fasciae latae muscle attaches about 5cm away at the iliac tubercle.
The anterior superior iliac spine provides a clue in identifying some other clinical landmarks, including:
- McBurney's point
- Roser-Nélaton line
- True leg length (see unequal leg length)
Etymology
A – Anterior (front, like the face)
S – Superior (towards the head, opposite to feet)
I – Iliac (Pelvis bone)
S – Spine
Additional images
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Right hip bone. External surface.
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Right hip bone. Internal surface.
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The subcutaneous inguinal ring.
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ASIS visible at top left, as the origin of several muscles.
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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
External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Anterior superior iliac spine. |
- Anatomy photo:17:os-0105 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center – "Major Joints of the Lower Extremity: Hip bone (lateral view)"
- Anatomy photo:35:os-0103 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center – "Anterior Abdominal Wall: Osteology and Surface Anatomy"
- Anatomy diagram: 03281.000-3 at Roche Lexicon - illustrated navigator, Elsevier
- Diagram at Wayne State
