“If you see what is small as it sees itself, and accept what is weak for what strength it has, and use what is dim for the light it gives then all will go well. This is called acting naturally.” – Lao-Tsu
When you see the iliotibial band in most anatomy books, what you are seeing is the artist’s depiction (a lens!).
You are seeing an incomplete (and simplified!) picture that shows the iliotibial band as an extension of the gluteus maximus and the tensor fascia latae (TFL).
If you ever have an opportunity to dissect a fresh cadaver, make a longitudinal incision from the level of the pubic bone to just above the patella on the anterior thigh, then pull everything back. Once you get through skin, adipose tissue (fat) etc., you will see a white layer of fascia that is unlike anything you have ever seen before. If you follow this thin fascia you will find that it wraps around the thigh *and* surrounds all of the muscles of the thigh.
You will not see the iliotibial band. (!)
The iliotibial band is within the white layer of fascia that is surrounding all of the muscles of the thigh.
