The term "trochanter major" refers to a bony protuberance of the femur located at its proximal end. The spelling of this word is notable for its emphasis on the /k/ sound in "tro-chant-er" and the emphasis on the second syllable, "maj-or." The IPA phonetic transcription for "trochanter major" would be /tɹəʊˈkæntə ˈmeɪdʒə/, with the stress falling on the second syllable. The word is commonly used in medical terminology and anatomy to refer to this particular bone structure.
The term "trochanter major" refers to a prominent structure found in the human skeletal system, specifically in the region of the femur or thigh bone. It is one of the bony projections present in the proximal or upper part of the femur. More specifically, the trochanter major is a large, rough, and robust prominence located on the lateral or outer side of the femur.
Anatomically, the trochanter major serves as an attachment point for several muscles of the hip joint, such as the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and piriformis muscles. These muscles play significant roles in various movements and stabilization of the hip joint, assisting in actions like abduction, rotation, and extension of the thigh.
The trochanter major can be palpated externally in most individuals and is an important landmark for clinical examinations and surgical procedures involving the hip joint. It plays a crucial role in determining the comparative length and positioning of the lower limbs, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of leg length discrepancies, fractures, and other conditions.
Overall, the trochanter major is a distinct bony prominence located on the femur that serves as an attachment site for important hip muscles, contributing to various movements and stabilization of the hip joint.
Great t., a strong process at the upper and outer part of the shaft of the femur, overhanging the root of the neck; it gives attachment to the gluteus medius, pyriformis, obturator internus, and gemelli muscles.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "trochanter major" comes from the Latin terms "trochanter" meaning "a runner" or "a pulley" and "major" meaning "greater" or "larger". The term "trochanter major" is used in anatomy to refer to the larger of the two bony prominences located on the upper thigh bone or femur.