Muscles of the hip

Muscles of the Hip

The muscles of the hip consist of a complex network of muscles that play a crucial role in the movement and stability of the hip joint. These muscles can be categorized into four main groups: the gluteal group, the lateral rotator group, the adductor group, and the iliopsoas group.

Gluteal Group

Gluteus maximus muscle

The gluteal group consists of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. These muscles are located in the buttocks and serve to extend, abduct, and rotate the hip.

Lateral Rotator Group

The lateral rotator group includes the piriformis, superior gemellus, inferior gemellus, obturator internus, and quadratus femoris. These muscles primarily function to rotate the hip laterally.

Adductor Group

The adductor group is composed of the adductor magnus, adductor longus, adductor brevis, gracilis, and pectineus. These muscles are located in the inner thigh and serve to adduct and medially rotate the hip.

Iliopsoas Group

The iliopsoas group is made up of the iliacus and psoas major. These muscles are located in the lower back and pelvis and function to flex the hip.

See Also

• Hip joint
• Hip anatomy
• Muscular system