Upper extremity of femur

Upper Extremity of Femur

Anterior view of the femur showing the upper extremity

The Upper Extremity of Femur or Proximal Femur is the superior part of the femur, the longest and strongest bone in the human body. It is located in the hip region and is responsible for bearing the majority of the body's weight during both movement and rest.

Anatomy

The upper extremity of the femur consists of the head, the neck, and two trochanters - the greater and lesser.

Head of the Femur

Head of the femur

The head is a smooth, spherical structure that articulates with the acetabulum of the pelvis, forming the hip joint. It is connected to the shaft of the femur by the neck.

Neck of the Femur

The neck is a flattened pyramidal process of bone, connecting the head with the body of the femur. It is angled medially and anteriorly and is designed to withstand the significant forces exerted through it.

Greater Trochanter

Greater trochanter of the femur

The greater trochanter is a large, irregular, quadrilateral eminence situated at the junction of the neck and the body of the femur. It serves as the site of attachment for several muscles, including the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus.

Lesser Trochanter

The lesser trochanter is a conical prominence projecting from the proximal (near) and posterior (back) part of the femur. It is the point of insertion for the iliopsoas muscle, the body's most powerful hip flexor.

Clinical Significance

The upper extremity of the femur is a common site for osteoporosis-related fractures, particularly in the elderly. Hip fractures, which often involve the neck of the femur, are a serious health concern due to the associated morbidity and mortality.

See Also

• Femur
• Hip joint
• Hip fracture

References

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