The |tensor fascia latae| is a short, thick, teardrop-shaped muscle that is located on the outer front corner of the ilium (pelvis). It connects the ileum to the tissues of the thigh. The muscle's form begins at the front point of the hip and ends where the muscle attaches to the iliotibial band. In the standing position, the belly becomes stretched into an elongated oval shape, but as the thigh is flexed, it changes into its characteristic teardrop shape. This muscle flexes, abducts, and medially rotates the thigh.
