Structure and Development of the Iliac Crest - The iliac crest stretches from the ASIS to the PSIS. - It has an outer and inner lip separated by the intermediate zone. - The outer lip bulges laterally into the iliac tubercle. - The crest is convex superiorly but sinuously curved. - It is thinner at the center than at the extremities. - The iliac crest is derived from endochondral bone. - It contains a large amount of red bone marrow. - It is the site of bone marrow harvests for stem cell collection. - It is the most ideal donor site for bone grafting. - It marks the level of the fourth lumbar vertebral body (L4).

Additional Images - Left iliac crest is labeled in red in muscles connecting the upper extremity to the vertebral column. - Plan of ossification of the hip bone. - The Obliquus internus abdominis. - Muscles of the iliac and anterior femoral regions. - The relations of the kidneys from behind.

Related Terms and Concepts - This article uses anatomical terminology. - Apollos belt. - Hip pointer.

References - This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 234 of the 20th edition of Grays Anatomy (1918). - Platzer (2004), p 186. - Palastanga (2006), p 243. - Bogduk (2005), p 106. - Rose, Louis F.. Periodontics: Medicine, Surgery and Implants. Mosby, 072004. 26.2.2.3.