Which muscle is listed as flexion of the hip (without other actions specified)?

• A. Iliopsoas
• B. Tensor Fasciae Latae
• C. Gluteus Medius
• D. Adductor Magnus

Answer: (A)

The hip flexors are the muscles that bring the thigh forward toward the abdomen, and the iliopsoas is the primary muscle responsible for this movement. The iliopsoas is a combination of two muscles (psoas major and iliacus) that cross the hip joint in front of it. When they contract, they pull the femur upward, producing hip flexion. It’s also capable of helping flex the trunk if the thigh is fixed, but when we specify hip flexion, its action at the hip is the key.

The other muscles listed don’t act as pure hip flexors. The tensor fasciae latae assists in flexion but also mainly contributes to abduction and medial rotation. The gluteus medius is primarily an abductor and medial rotator of the hip. The adductor magnus mainly adducts the thigh and, depending on the part, can assist with flexion or extension, but its primary action isn’t hip flexion alone.