Which action is shared by the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, sartorius, and tensor fascia latae?

Which action is shared by the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, sartorius, and tensor fascia latae?

• A. Flexion of the thigh
• B. Medial rotation of the thigh
• C. Abduction of the thigh
• D. Adduction of the thigh

Answer: (C)

Abduction of the thigh is the action shared by these muscles. The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus sit on the outer hip and are the primary abductors of the hip, helping to move the thigh away from the midline and to stabilize the pelvis when you walk. The tensor fascia latae also assists in abducting the thigh, especially as it tightens the iliotibial band to pull the leg outward. The sartorius, which runs obliquely across the thigh, contributes to abduction when the hip is flexed, in addition to flexing the hip and knee. Because each of these muscles can produce an outward movement of the thigh at the hip joint, they all share the action of abduction.

Abduction of the thigh is the action shared by these muscles. The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus sit on the outer hip and are the primary abductors of the hip, helping to move the thigh away from the midline and to stabilize the pelvis when you walk. The tensor fascia latae also assists in abducting the thigh, especially as it tightens the iliotibial band to pull the leg outward. The sartorius, which runs obliquely across the thigh, contributes to abduction when the hip is flexed, in addition to flexing the hip and knee. Because each of these muscles can produce an outward movement of the thigh at the hip joint, they all share the action of abduction.