The trochanter

The trochanter is part of the bony structure and is a reference point for body measurements. It locates the level of the hips.

The greater trochanter of the femur is a large, irregular, quadrilateral bony prominence that is part of the bony structure of the femur.

In the adult, it is located about 2-4 cm lower than the femoral head.  The diameter of the female pelvis is larger than the male pelvis so there is a greater distance between the greater trochanters in the female.

The greater trochanter marks the level of the hip respect to the ground plane.

More information:

Anatomy of the human body by Gray, Henry, 1825-1861; Lewis, Warren Harmon, 242_p.

Anatomy of the human body by Gray, Henry, 1825-1861; Lewis, Warren Harmon, 1870_p.244

Anatomy of the human body by Gray, Henry, 1825-1861; Lewis, Warren Harmon, 1870_p.1342

Anatomy of the human body by Gray, Henry, 1825-1861; Lewis, Warren Harmon, 1870_p.1344

Go to “Measurement reference points”