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Multiple Choice
Paralysis of which of the following muscles would make an individual unable to flex the hip?
A
Biceps femoris
B
Iliopsoas
C
Gluteus maximus
D
Adductor longus
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the action of hip flexion. Hip flexion refers to the movement where the thigh is brought closer to the torso, decreasing the angle between the femur and the pelvis.
Step 2: Identify the primary muscles responsible for hip flexion. The iliopsoas muscle group, which includes the psoas major and iliacus, is the primary muscle responsible for flexing the hip. Other muscles, such as the rectus femoris, also assist in this action.
Step 3: Analyze the function of each muscle listed in the problem. The biceps femoris is part of the hamstring group and primarily functions in knee flexion and hip extension. The gluteus maximus is responsible for hip extension and external rotation. The adductor longus primarily aids in hip adduction. None of these muscles are primarily involved in hip flexion.
Step 4: Focus on the iliopsoas muscle. Paralysis of the iliopsoas would directly impair the ability to flex the hip because it is the primary muscle responsible for this movement.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is iliopsoas, as its paralysis would make an individual unable to flex the hip, unlike the other muscles listed, which do not play a primary role in hip flexion.