Hip and Thigh Functions Flashcards
Gluteus Maximus
- Important in maintaining upright posture
- Mostly used for power, as in going upstairs, rising from sitting, climbing or running
Gluteus Medius
When standing on one foot, this muscle contracts on that side to stabilize the pelvis and prevent it from tilting to the unsupported side
Gluteus Minimus
- Smallest & deepest of the gluteal muscles
- Two muscles together prevent the pelvis from dropping toward the opposite side during walking
- It also keeps pelvis level when standing on one foot
Iliacus
- Can mimic menstrual pain and appendicitis
- Usually involves in injury called “pulled groin” or “groin strain”
Iliopsoas
- Strongest Hip Flexor
- Psoas Major and Iliacus
Tensor Fasciae Latae
- This muscle braces the knee when walking
- a.k.a. Iliotibial band (ITB)
Sartorius
- Longest muscle in the body
- Located in the anterior surface of the thigh to the knee
Rectus Femoris
- Powerful knee extensor used in running, jumping, climbing, and rising from a sitting position
- “Charley horse” results from a contusion and tearing of the quadriceps muscle
- Only one of the four that crosses both the hip and knee joint
Biceps Femoris
- Most lateral in the hamstring group
- Crosses both the hip and knee joints
Semitendinosus and Semimembranosus
insert medially at the knee
Pectineus
- Uppermost of the adductor group of muscles
- Only adductor that is supplied by femoral nerve
Adductor Brevis
Is found deep to the adductor longus
Adductor Longus
- Most anterior of the adductor muscles.
- Forms the medial border of the femoral triangle
Adductor Magnus
Largest and deepest muscle of the adductor group.
Gracilis
The most superficial and medial of the adductors. The femoral shaft and the gracilis form the shape of a letter “V”
