The anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) is a prominent bony projection located at the front end of the iliac crest of the pelvis. It serves as a crucial attachment point for several important muscles and ligaments, including the sartorius muscle and inguinal ligament. The ASIS also functions as a key anatomical landmark used by medical professionals to measure leg length and locate other anatomical structures.
The name combines "anterior" (front) and "superior" (upper) to describe its position, while "iliac spine" refers to its pointed projection from the iliac bone. The term "spine" in this context comes from Latin "spina," meaning a thorn or pointed projection.