There isn't a single "hip muscle"; rather, there are many muscles surrounding the hip joint that contribute to its movement and stability. These muscles are generally grouped based on their location and function.
Here's a breakdown of some key hip muscles:
-
Gluteal Muscles: These muscles are located on the posterior (back) side of the hip.
- Gluteus Maximus: The largest gluteal muscle; primarily responsible for hip extension (straightening the leg at the hip).
- Gluteus Medius: Located beneath the gluteus maximus; responsible for hip abduction (moving the leg away from the midline of the body) and stabilizing the pelvis.
- Gluteus Minimus: The smallest gluteal muscle; also responsible for hip abduction and internal rotation.
-
Deep External Rotators: A group of smaller muscles that lie deep to the gluteal muscles. Their primary function is to externally rotate the hip (turning the leg outward). Examples include:
- Piriformis
- Obturator Internus
- Obturator Externus
-
Adductor Muscles: Located on the medial (inner) side of the thigh. These muscles are responsible for hip adduction (moving the leg toward the midline of the body).
- Adductor Magnus: The largest adductor muscle.
- Adductor Longus
- Adductor Brevis
- Gracilis: Also assists with knee flexion.
- Pectineus
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Iliopsoas: This is actually a combination of two muscles (iliacus and psoas major) and is a primary hip flexor (bending the leg at the hip).
- Iliacus
- Psoas Major
Therefore, while there is no single muscle called "the hip muscle," the term generally refers to a group of muscles that work together to control hip movement and stability, including the gluteals, deep external rotators, adductors, and iliopsoas.
