Greater trochanter
![](/Images/godic/202501/16/Gray2435840.png")
![Same point of view as above of right femur from behind. Greater trochanter is labeled at right.](/Images/godic/202501/16/Gray4345841.png")
![](/Images/godic/202501/16/Gray3395841.png")
![](/Images/godic/202501/16/Gray3435841.png")
The greater trochanter (great trochanter) of the femur is a large, irregular, quadrilateral eminence and a part of the skeletal system.
It is directed lateral and medially and slightly posterior. In the adult it is about 1 cm lower than the head. Because the pelvic outlet in the female is larger than in the male, there is a greater distance between the greater trochanters in the female.