Iliopsoas (Psoas Major) origin?

Iliopsoas (Psoas Major) origin?

• A. Iliac crest
• B. Pubic symphysis
• C. Transverse processes of vertebrae T12-L5
• D. Sacrum

Answer: (C)

The main thing this item tests is where the psoas major part of the iliopsoas originates. The psoas major comes from the lumbar region of the spine, attaching to the sides of the vertebral bodies of T12 through L5 and the adjacent intervertebral discs, plus the transverse processes of L1–L5. This region origin makes it a powerful hip flexor when it contracts, and it combines with the iliacus to form the iliopsoas tendon that inserts on the lesser trochanter. Among the options, the description pointing to the transverse processes in the T12–L5 region best reflects the psoas major’s lumbar origin. The other options refer to structures that are not origins of the psoas major (iliac crest for the iliacus, pubic symphysis, or sacrum), so they don’t fit as well.

The main thing this item tests is where the psoas major part of the iliopsoas originates. The psoas major comes from the lumbar region of the spine, attaching to the sides of the vertebral bodies of T12 through L5 and the adjacent intervertebral discs, plus the transverse processes of L1–L5. This region origin makes it a powerful hip flexor when it contracts, and it combines with the iliacus to form the iliopsoas tendon that inserts on the lesser trochanter.

Among the options, the description pointing to the transverse processes in the T12–L5 region best reflects the psoas major’s lumbar origin. The other options refer to structures that are not origins of the psoas major (iliac crest for the iliacus, pubic symphysis, or sacrum), so they don’t fit as well.