The fascia lata is a fibrous sheath that encircles the thigh like a subcutaneous stocking and tightly binds its muscles.

[1] In the erect posture, acting from below, it will serve to steady the pelvis upon the head of the femur; and by means of the iliotibial tract it steadies the condyles of the femur on the articular surfaces of the tibia, and assists the gluteus maximus in supporting the knee in a position of extension.

The tensor fasciae latae is heavily utilized in horse riding, hurdling, and water skiing.

"Tensor fasciae latae" translates from Latin to English as "stretcher of the side band".

"Tensor" is an agent noun that comes from the past participle stem "tens-" of the Latin verb "tendere", meaning "to stretch".

"Latae" is the respective singular, genitive, feminine form of the Latin adjective "latus" meaning "side".