The hip is the anatomical region connecting the trunk and the lower limbs. While the term “hip” is often used generally, the front of this area is a collection of different structures, leading to common confusion about its exact name. Many medical and lay terms are used interchangeably, which can make it difficult to pinpoint the source of discomfort. Clarifying the specific bony landmarks and the wider region helps in understanding the body’s structure and function.
The Specific Bony Landmark
The most precise anatomical name for the front of the hip is the Anterior Superior Iliac Spine, commonly abbreviated as ASIS. This is a distinct, prominent bony projection found at the front end of the iliac crest, the curved upper border of the largest pelvic bone. It is an easily palpable point of reference, often felt just below and to the side of the waistline.
The ASIS serves as a primary anchoring site for several structures. The sartorius, the longest muscle in the human body, originates here. The lateral end of the inguinal ligament also attaches to this spine, forming a boundary for the lower abdominal area. Medical professionals frequently use the ASIS as a surface landmark for measurements, such as determining true leg length.
Defining the Broader Anterior Region
The general front of the hip is often referred to as the inguinal region, commonly known as the groin. This area is the junction where the lower abdominal wall meets the thigh, rather than a single bone or joint. This broader region is complex, containing muscle attachments, blood vessels, nerves, and lymph nodes.
The inguinal region’s boundaries include the ASIS on the upper outer side and the pubic tubercle toward the midline. This area houses the inguinal canal, a passage through the abdominal wall that contains the spermatic cord in males and the round ligament in females. Due to its structure, the inguinal region is a common site for the formation of hernias.
Key Supporting Skeletal Structures
The foundation for the entire anterior hip area is provided by the two major bones of the pelvic girdle: the Ilium and the Pubis. The Ilium is the largest of the three bones that make up the hip bone, forming the broad, fan-shaped upper section. Its upper edge forms the iliac crest, which culminates anteriorly in the ASIS.
The Pubis makes up the anteromedial, or front and inner, portion of the hip bone. It consists of a body and two extensions, or rami, and is connected to its counterpart on the opposite side at the pubic symphysis. Together, the ilium and pubis contribute to forming the acetabulum, the deep socket where the head of the thigh bone articulates to create the hip joint.