Which muscles assist hip extension besides the primary extensors?

Which muscles assist hip extension besides the primary extensors?

• A. Rectus Femoris
• B. Hamstrings and Adductor Magnus (Posterior Fibers)
• C. Gluteus Medius
• D. Tensor Fasciae Latae

Answer: (B)

Hip extension is produced by muscles that pull the thigh backward. The primary extenders are the gluteus maximus and the hamstrings, which cross the hip joint and extend the thigh as they contract. In addition, a portion of the adductor magnus—the posterior fibers—also helps extend the hip because of its hamstring-like fibers that pull the femur backward, especially when more force is needed or the thigh is flexed. The other muscles listed don’t extend the hip: the rectus femoris mainly flexes the hip (and extends the knee), the gluteus medius mainly abducts and stabilizes the pelvis, and the tensor fasciae latae tends to flex and abduct rather than extend.

Hip extension is produced by muscles that pull the thigh backward. The primary extenders are the gluteus maximus and the hamstrings, which cross the hip joint and extend the thigh as they contract. In addition, a portion of the adductor magnus—the posterior fibers—also helps extend the hip because of its hamstring-like fibers that pull the femur backward, especially when more force is needed or the thigh is flexed. The other muscles listed don’t extend the hip: the rectus femoris mainly flexes the hip (and extends the knee), the gluteus medius mainly abducts and stabilizes the pelvis, and the tensor fasciae latae tends to flex and abduct rather than extend.