The iliotibial tract is made up of

• A. Ligament
• B. Tendon
• C. A thick band of fascia
• D. A nerve

Answer: (C)

The iliotibial tract is a thick band of fascia that runs along the outside of the thigh and helps stabilize the knee. Fascia is connective tissue that envelops and separates muscles; the IT band is formed from fascia lata and the fascia of the gluteal muscles, extending from the hip to the tibia. It’s not a ligament (which connects bone to bone), not a tendon (which connects muscle to bone), and not a nerve (which carries signals). So, describing it as a thick band of fascia best matches its structure and role.