Which hip abductors are innervated by the superior gluteal nerve?

• A. Tensor fasciae latae
• B. Gluteus maximus
• C. Adductor longus
• D. Gluteus medius and gluteus minimus

Answer: (D)

The key idea is which muscles that abduct the hip receive their nerve supply from the superior gluteal nerve. The superior gluteal nerve supplies the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus, and these two muscles are the primary abductors of the hip, essential for keeping the pelvis level when you stand on one leg. They are the classic pair associated with this nerve.

Gluteus maximus, on the other hand, is innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve and mainly acts to extend and externally rotate the hip. Adductor longus is innervated by the obturator nerve and adducts the thigh. Tensor fasciae latae is indeed innervated by the superior gluteal nerve and can assist in abduction, particularly when the hip is extended, but the two primary hip abductors linked to this nerve are gluteus medius and gluteus minimus.

So, the muscles that best match “hip abductors innervated by the superior gluteal nerve” are the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus.