Which muscles are prime movers for hip adduction?

Which muscles are prime movers for hip adduction?

• A. Adductor magnus, Adductor longus, Adductor brevis, Pectineus, & Gracilis
• B. Gluteus medius and Gluteus minimus
• C. Tensor fasciae latae
• D. Sartorius

Answer: (A)

Hip adduction is the movement of bringing the thigh toward the midline. The primary muscles responsible for this action are the medial thigh adductors: adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus, along with the pectineus and gracilis. These muscles originate on the pelvis and attach along the femur or tibia, allowing them to generate the main pulling force toward the midline when they contract. The other muscles listed don’t serve as primary adductors. The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus sit on the lateral hip and mainly abduct the thigh. The tensor fasciae latae also acts as an abductor (and flexor) of the hip in many positions. Sartorius, a long strap-like muscle crossing the hip and knee, mainly facilitates hip flexion, abduction, and external rotation rather than adduction.

Hip adduction is the movement of bringing the thigh toward the midline. The primary muscles responsible for this action are the medial thigh adductors: adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus, along with the pectineus and gracilis. These muscles originate on the pelvis and attach along the femur or tibia, allowing them to generate the main pulling force toward the midline when they contract.

The other muscles listed don’t serve as primary adductors. The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus sit on the lateral hip and mainly abduct the thigh. The tensor fasciae latae also acts as an abductor (and flexor) of the hip in many positions. Sartorius, a long strap-like muscle crossing the hip and knee, mainly facilitates hip flexion, abduction, and external rotation rather than adduction.