ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

Which anatomical feature is connected by the Iliotibial Band?

1. Hip joint to ankle

2. Iliac crest to knee

3. Spine to pelvis

4. Shoulder to elbow

The correct answer is: Iliac crest to knee

The iliotibial band, commonly referred to as the IT band, is a vital structure in the human body that plays an important role in the function of the hip and knee. It connects specifically from the iliac crest—the top ridge of the pelvis—down to the lateral condyle of the tibia at the knee. This connection stabilizes the lateral aspect of the knee joint during movement, particularly in activities like running and walking. Understanding the role of the iliotibial band can help in recognizing its significance in various physical activities, as well as its involvement in conditions such as iliotibial band syndrome, which is common among runners. The other choices do not accurately describe the connection attributed to the iliotibial band: it does not connect the hip joint directly to the ankle, nor does it establish any direct link between the spine and pelvis or the shoulder and elbow. Thus, identifying the correct anatomical feature connected by the iliotibial band is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of human biomechanics and injury prevention.