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Ch. 11 The Muscular System
Martini - Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology 12th Edition
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew12th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy and PhysiologyISBN: 9780137854011Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMartini, Nath, Bartholomew 12th EditionCh. 11 The Muscular SystemProblem 12
Chapter 11, Problem 12

The powerful flexor of the hip is the
(a) Piriformis
(b) Obturator
(c) Pectineus
(d) Iliopsoas

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1
Step 1: Understand the function of each muscle listed in the options. The question asks for the powerful flexor of the hip, so focus on muscles that primarily perform hip flexion.
Step 2: Recall that the piriformis is mainly involved in lateral rotation and abduction of the hip, not flexion.
Step 3: Recognize that the obturator muscles (obturator internus and externus) primarily act as lateral rotators of the hip, not flexors.
Step 4: Know that the pectineus muscle assists in hip flexion and adduction but is not the most powerful flexor.
Step 5: Identify the iliopsoas muscle as the strongest and most powerful hip flexor, composed of the psoas major and iliacus muscles, which work together to flex the thigh at the hip joint.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hip Flexor Muscles

Hip flexor muscles are responsible for bending the thigh toward the abdomen. They play a crucial role in movements like walking, running, and climbing. Understanding which muscles contribute to hip flexion helps identify the primary powerful flexor.
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Flexor & Crossed-Extensor Reflexes

Iliopsoas Muscle

The iliopsoas is a major hip flexor composed of the psoas major and iliacus muscles. It is the strongest and most important muscle for hip flexion, enabling lifting the thigh efficiently. Its anatomical position and function make it the primary powerful flexor of the hip.
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Introduction to Muscles and Muscle Tissue Example 1

Other Hip Muscles (Piriformis, Obturator, Pectineus)

Piriformis, obturator, and pectineus muscles have different roles: piriformis mainly externally rotates the hip, obturator muscles assist in lateral rotation, and pectineus aids in hip adduction and flexion but is less powerful than iliopsoas. Recognizing their functions helps differentiate the primary hip flexor.
Recommended video:
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Introduction to Muscles and Muscle Tissue Example 1
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Knee extensors known as the quadriceps femoris consist of the

(a) Three vastus muscles and the rectus femoris

(b) Biceps femoris, gracilis, and sartorius

(c) Popliteus, iliopsoas, and gracilis

(d) Gastrocnemius, tibialis, and peroneus

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Textbook Question

What is an aponeurosis? Give two examples.

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Textbook Question

The muscles that rotate the radius without producing either flexion or extension of the elbow are the

(a) Brachialis and brachioradialis

(b) Pronator teres and supinator

(c) Biceps brachii and triceps brachii

(d) a, b, and c.

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Textbook Question

The major extensor of the elbow is the

(a) Triceps brachii

(b) Biceps brachii

(c) Deltoid

(d) Subscapularis

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Textbook Question

Important flexors of the vertebral column that act in opposition to the erector spinae are the

(a) Rectus abdominis

(b) Longus capitis

(c) Longus colli

(d) Scalene

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Textbook Question

List the four patterns of fascicle arrangement used to classify the different types of skeletal muscles.

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