head of femur
acetabular head
The hemispheric articular surface at the upper extremity of the thigh bone[Stedman, 26th ed]. The femur head is the highest part of the thigh bone. It is supported by the neck of the femur. The head is globular and forms rather more than a hemisphere, is directed upward, medialward, and a little forward, the greater part of its convexity being above and in front. Its surface is smooth, coated with cartilage in the fresh state, except over an ovoid depression, the fovea capitis femoris, which is situated a little below and behind the center of the head, and gives attachment to the ligament of head of femur. If there is a fracture of the neck of the femur, the blood supply through the ligament becomes crucial. In orthopedic surgery, the head of the femur is important because it can undergo avascular necrosis and consequent osteochondritis dissecans. The head is removed in total hip replacement surgery [WP].
| Type | Bone |
| Structure parente | zone of long bone |
| Nom latin | acetabular head |
| FMA ID | 32851 |
Questions fréquentes
What is the head of femur?
What is the Latin name for the head of femur?
Structures associées
Avertissement médical
Ce contenu est uniquement à des fins éducatives et informatives. Il n'est pas destiné à remplacer un avis médical professionnel, un diagnostic ou un traitement. Consultez toujours votre médecin ou un autre professionnel de santé qualifié pour toute question relative à un état médical. Ne négligez jamais un avis médical professionnel et ne tardez pas à le consulter en raison de quelque chose que vous avez lu sur ce site web.