Which muscle abducts the hip?

Study for the Muscle Actions and Functions – Anatomy and Movement Test. Equip yourself with multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations and hints. Prepare confidently for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which muscle abducts the hip?

Explanation:
Abduction of the hip means moving the thigh away from the midline. This action is produced by muscles crossing the hip joint on the lateral side, especially when the hip is flexed. The piriformis fits this role because, with the hip flexed, its orientation pulls the femur laterally, producing abduction. When the hip is not flexed, it mainly acts as a lateral rotator instead. The other muscles listed don’t abduct the hip: gracilis is an adductor crossing the hip to bring the thigh inward; extensor digitorum longus and fibularis longus act on the foot and leg below the hip, not on the hip joint.

Abduction of the hip means moving the thigh away from the midline. This action is produced by muscles crossing the hip joint on the lateral side, especially when the hip is flexed. The piriformis fits this role because, with the hip flexed, its orientation pulls the femur laterally, producing abduction. When the hip is not flexed, it mainly acts as a lateral rotator instead. The other muscles listed don’t abduct the hip: gracilis is an adductor crossing the hip to bring the thigh inward; extensor digitorum longus and fibularis longus act on the foot and leg below the hip, not on the hip joint.

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