Anterior region of thigh

The anterior region of thigh (a.k.a. the anterior femoral region) corresponds to the front compartment of the thigh.

The thigh is divided into three compartments or regions: anterior, medial, and posterior. These compartments are formed by the intermuscular septa that extend inward from the deep fascia and attach to the femur shaft.

Muscles in the anterior region of thigh include the quadriceps muscles, iliopsoas, and sartorius. The quadriceps muscles originate from the femur and insert into the tibial tuberosity, enabling knee extension. The rectus femoris, a part of the quadriceps muscles, originates from the hip bone. Along with the iliacus (originating from the ilium) and psoas major (originating from the lumbar vertebrae), known as the iliopsoas, they contribute to hip flexion. The sartorius muscle originates from the anterior superior iliac spine. It crosses both the hip and knee joints and inserts into the upper medial side of the tibia, allowing flexion at both joints.

The neurovasculature of the anterior region of thigh consists of the femoral vessels and nerves. The femoral vessels are continuations of the external iliac vessels, while the femoral nerve is a branch of the lumbar plexus (L2, L3, L4). The femoral vessels descend into the popliteal fossa behind the knee as popliteal vessels.

Clinically, increased pressure within the compartments due to acute trauma or chronic repetitive exertion can lead to reduced blood supply to the tissues, resulting in ischemic pain and muscle damage. In acute and/or intractable cases, fasciotomy may be necessary.