The hip is made up of a complex network of bones, joints, cartilage, muscles, tendons, and nerves that work together to provide stability, support body weight, and enable a wide range of motion.

The hip joint itself is a large ball-and-socket joint, where the rounded head of the femur (thigh bone) fits into the cup-shaped acetabulum of the pelvis. This structure allows for significant movement in multiple directions while providing crucial stability for activities like walking, running, and standing. Smooth cartilage lines the joint, allowing the bones to glide easily.

Muscles and tendons surrounding the hip, such as the glutes and hip flexors, power movement and provide stability, while major nerves—like the sciatic and femoral nerves—pass through the region, carrying signals from the brain to power sensation and motion in the leg.

Because the hip is a major weight-bearing joint and central to mobility, it is subject to significant stress and wear. Understanding how it works is the first step in keeping it healthy and functioning optimally throughout life.