Which muscle is involved in hip abduction?

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

Answer: (D)

Hip abduction is moving the thigh away from the midline of the body. The main muscle responsible for this movement is the gluteus medius. It sits on the outer surface of the ilium and attaches to the greater trochanter, so when it contracts it pulls the femur outward, lifting the leg to the side. This muscle is especially important for keeping the pelvis level during walking when the opposite leg is swinging forward.

The other muscles listed don’t primarily perform hip abduction: the adductor longus brings the thigh toward the midline (adduction); the iliopsoas flexes the hip; the gluteus maximus mainly extends and externally rotates the hip. While other muscles can assist in abduction in certain positions, the gluteus medius is the principal abductor.