Lower limb

Ligament of the Head of the Femur (Ligamentum Teres)

Ligamentum capitis femoris

Origin

Fovea capitis femoris

Insertion

Acetabular fossa and transverse acetabular ligament of the pelvis

Function

In children carries a branch of the obturator artery (artery of the ligamentum teres) that contributes to the blood supply of the femoral head; of limited mechanical importance in adults

Innervation

Occasionally contains free sensory nerve endings

Movement & chain

Guides femoral head congruence within the acetabular socket and tightens during hip adduction, flexion, and external rotation.

Palpation

Intra-articular ligament between fovea capitis femoris and acetabular notch; cannot be palpated.

Clinical

Carries the acetabular artery to the femoral head (critical in pediatric vascularization); tears in traumatic hip dislocation and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

Segmental innervation

L2–L4 (obturator nerve)

In clinical practice

Skin and pressure point inspection; maintain comfortable positioning and proper body mechanics during patient handling and daily care.

Region in the model

Lower limb