Pronunciation: [sˈə͡ʊəz mˈʌsə͡l] (IPA) 
The Psoas Muscle is a long, slender muscle that runs from the lower back to the thigh bone. It is often misspelled as "Soas Muscle". However, the correct spelling is "Psoas" with a silent "P". This is because the word comes from the Greek language, where the "P" is used when it is the first letter of a word. The correct pronunciation of "Psoas" is /ˈsoʊ.əs/, with the stress on the first syllable.
The psoas muscle, also known as the iliopsoas muscle, is a major muscle located in the lower back and pelvis region of the human body. It belongs to a group of muscles known as the hip flexors, responsible for flexing the hip joint and maintaining the correct alignment of the spine and pelvis during movement.
The psoas muscle consists of two primary parts: the psoas major and the iliacus. The psoas major originates from the lumbar vertebrae of the lower back, while the iliacus originates from the iliac fossa in the pelvis. These two muscles merge together and attach to the lesser trochanter of the femur in the thigh.
The psoas muscle plays a vital role in various activities involving the lower extremities, such as walking, running, and climbing stairs. It works in conjunction with other muscles to rotate the hip joints inward, lift the legs, and maintain balance. Additionally, it contributes to stabilizing the spine and pelvis, aiding in maintaining proper posture.
When the psoas muscle becomes tight or shortened due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, or overuse, it can lead to a variety of symptoms. These may include lower back pain, hip pain, restricted movement, and even issues with digestion and breathing, as it can compress nearby organs. Stretching and strengthening exercises, along with maintaining good posture and regular physical activity, can help maintain the health and flexibility of the psoas muscle.
The word "psoas" originated from the Greek word "psoa", which means "muscle of the loins". The term specifically refers to the pair of muscles known as the psoas major and psoas minor. Both muscles are located in the lower back area, extending from the sides of the lumbar vertebrae to the upper part of the femur bone. The term "psoas" reflects the historical understanding of this muscle group's location and function in the loin region.
