Which muscle primarily abducts and medially rotates the thigh at the hip?

Which muscle primarily abducts and medially rotates the thigh at the hip?

• A. Gluteus Medius
• B. Sartorius
• C. Adductor Longus
• D. Rectus Femoris

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is which muscle is the primary mover for pulling the thigh away from the midline and turning it inward. The gluteus medius sits on the lateral hip and, because of how its fibers pull on the femur, it is the chief muscle that abducts the thigh. The anterior fibers of this muscle also medially rotate the thigh, so it cleanly handles both actions described in the question. Sartorius can assist with hip abduction and has multiple roles, but it is not the primary abductor. Adductor longus mainly brings the thigh toward the midline (adduction) and rectus femoris is focused on hip flexion and knee extension, not abduction or medial rotation.

The main idea here is which muscle is the primary mover for pulling the thigh away from the midline and turning it inward. The gluteus medius sits on the lateral hip and, because of how its fibers pull on the femur, it is the chief muscle that abducts the thigh. The anterior fibers of this muscle also medially rotate the thigh, so it cleanly handles both actions described in the question.

Sartorius can assist with hip abduction and has multiple roles, but it is not the primary abductor. Adductor longus mainly brings the thigh toward the midline (adduction) and rectus femoris is focused on hip flexion and knee extension, not abduction or medial rotation.