title: The postural function of the iliotibial tract.
abstract: A new definition of the iliotibial tract is made. Its anatomical and physical characteristics are summarised and its known functions discussed. The various postures adopted by standing Man are looked at and one resting posture is closely analysed. Hence a new role is proposed for the iliotibial tract. In the hip bone a new bony effect of the iliotibial tract is proposed. The presence of this structure is traced in the fossil record and linked to the anthropological evidence of upright posture.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005205:Fascia / Q000502:physiology*; D005206:Fascia Lata / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009132:Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D010388:Pelvis / Q000502:physiology; D011187:Posture; D011247:Pregnancy; D013848:Thigh / Q000033:anatomy & histology