Hip muscles Flashcards
What are the hip muscles?
Iliopsoas, sartorius, gluteus maximus, medius and minimus, gracilis, adductor longus, magnus and brevis.
What is the iliopsoas?
It is a fused muscle composed of two muscles the iliacus and the psoas major. It runs from the ilium and lower vertebrae deep inside the pelvis to insert at the lesser trochanter of the femur. It is the prime mover of hip flexion and it also assists in preventing the body from falling over while standing.
What is the gluteus maximus?
It is a superficial muscle of the hip that forms most of the flesh of the buttock. It is a powerful hip extensor that acts to bring the thigh in a straight line with the pelvis. It is the most important for extending the hip when power is needed.
What is the gluteus medius?
This is a hip abductor and is important in steadying the pelvis when walking.
What is the gluteus minimus?
This is a smaller muscle than the gluteus medius and is situated beneath it. It’s function is to abduct and to inward rotate. It is primarily an inward rotator and secondarily an abductor. The medius and minius work in tandem.
What is the gracilis?
This abducts the femur and also helps to flex it. It also helps to medially rotate the femur.
What is the adductor longus/magnus/brevis?
Generally they adduct and assist in flexion of the femur.
