What it means
The upper part of the leg, from the hip to the knee. Its one bone is the femurFEE-merThe thigh bone, the long bone between the hip and the knee.Full entry , the longest and strongest bone in the body. Large muscles surround it: the quadriceps in front and the hamstrings behind. The outer thigh muscle (vastus lateralis) is a common site for intramuscular injections.
For the nurse
The vastus lateralis, in the middle third of the outer thigh, is the usual intramuscular injection site for infants. After hip surgery or a procedure through the groin, check the thigh for swelling, bruising or a growing lump of blood (hematoma).
At a glance
| Spanish | muslo |
|---|---|
| Also written | thighs |
Related terms
hematoma
A collection of blood, often clotted, that has leaked out of the blood vessels into the tissue.
femur
The thigh bone, the long bone between the hip and the knee.
intramuscular injection
An injection that puts medicine deep into a muscle.