Which muscle abducts the hip and medially rotates the hip?

Which muscle abducts the hip and medially rotates the hip?

• A. Gluteus Medius
• B. Adductor Longus
• C. Sartorius
• D. Iliopsoas

Answer: (A)

When a muscle both abducts the hip and medially rotates it, the gluteus medius is the best fit. It sits on the outer hip and is the primary hip abductor, with the anterior fibers capable of medially rotating the thigh as the hip flexes. This combination explains why it can perform both actions together. The other muscles don’t match both actions as the primary role: adductor longus mainly pulls the thigh inward (adduction), iliopsoas is a powerful hip flexor, and the sartorius primarily flexes the hip while producing abduction and lateral rotation rather than medial rotation.

When a muscle both abducts the hip and medially rotates it, the gluteus medius is the best fit. It sits on the outer hip and is the primary hip abductor, with the anterior fibers capable of medially rotating the thigh as the hip flexes. This combination explains why it can perform both actions together. The other muscles don’t match both actions as the primary role: adductor longus mainly pulls the thigh inward (adduction), iliopsoas is a powerful hip flexor, and the sartorius primarily flexes the hip while producing abduction and lateral rotation rather than medial rotation.