The spelling of "circulus femoris" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Circulus" is pronounced /sərˈkjuːləs/ which starts with the /s/ sound, followed by the /ər/ vowel sound and then the consonant cluster /kjuːl/ with a long /uː/ sound. "Femoris" starts with the /f/ sound followed by the /ɛ/ vowel sound, then the consonant cluster /mʊr/ with a short /ʊ/ sound. Together, the two words are pronounced /sərˈkjuːləs ˈfɛmərɪs/.
"Circulus femoris" is a Latin term that refers to a circular structure located in the femur bone, which is the largest and longest bone in the human body. Specifically, the definition applies to the bony ring formed by the union of the greater and lesser trochanters on the upper part of the femur. This bony ring serves as a significant attachment site for various muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the hip joint.
Anatomically, the circulus femoris is also known as the femoral ring or the intertrochanteric crest, and it plays a critical role in maintaining stability and facilitating movements in the hip region. It acts as a lateral barrier that confines the head of the femur within the acetabulum (the socket-like structure in the pelvis). This structural support prevents the femur from dislocating and provides a stable base for weight-bearing activities.
Additionally, the circulus femoris serves as an attachment point for important muscles involved in hip movement and stability, such as the gluteus medius, piriformis, and obturator internus. Ligaments and tendons, including the iliofemoral ligament and the capsule of the hip joint, also connect to the circulus femoris, contributing to the overall strength and integrity of the hip joint.
Understanding the anatomy and function of the circulus femoris is crucial for healthcare professionals, researchers, and students in disciplines such as orthopedics, anatomy, and physical therapy, as it provides valuable insights into the complexity and mechanics of the hip joint.
One of the fibrous rings surrounding the opening of the mitral and tricuspid valves in the heart.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "circulus femoris" is a combination of two Latin words: "circulus" meaning circle or ring, and "femoris" meaning of the femur or thigh bone.
The Latin word "circulus" comes from the earlier Greek word "kirkos" (κίρκος), which also meant circle or ring. It is related to the Proto-Indo-European root "*kirk" meaning "to turn, bend" and has cognates in various Indo-European languages, such as the Old English "circol" and the French "cercle".
On the other hand, "femoris" is derived from the Latin word "femur" meaning the thigh bone or the upper leg.