The term
iliopsoas (ilio-so-as) refers to the combination of the
psoas major and the
iliacus at their inferior ends. These muscles are distinct in the
abdomen, but usually indistinguishable in the
thigh. As such, they are usually given the common name "iliopsoas" and are referred to as the "dorsal hip muscles" or "inner hip muscles". The
psoas minor does not contribute to the iliopsoas muscle.