Fascia lata (lat. f. lata femoris, bna, jna) is the superficial fascia of the thigh, covering the anterior and outer surfaces of the thigh. It is a dense layer of connective tissue that provides protection to the muscles and tendons of the thigh.
The fascia lata begins from the anterior superior iliac spine and the lower part of the thoracolumbar fascia. Then it descends down the front surface of the thigh, surrounding m. quadriceps femoris. Below the knee joint, the fascia passes into the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle, forming the lateral leg of the tendinous process.
On the outer surface of the thigh, the fascia covers m. tensor fasciae latae and m. glutaeus medius. From the anterior edge of the ilium it goes to the greater trochanter of the femur, where it becomes the trapezius fascia.
The fascia lata plays an important role in strengthening the thigh muscles and fixing them to the bones. It also ensures muscle gliding during movements of the hip and knee joints. Damage to this fascia can lead to disruption of the biomechanics of lower limb movements.