Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

10. Muscles

Muscle Naming

Anatomy & Physiology

10. Muscles

Muscle Naming

Previous problemNext problem

2:18 minutes

Problem 12

Textbook Question

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

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the anatomy of the hip flexors. Hip flexors are muscles that help in flexing the hip joint, bringing the thigh closer to the abdomen. These muscles are crucial for activities like walking, running, and bending.

Step 2: Review the function of each muscle listed in the options. For example: (a) Piriformis: Primarily a lateral rotator of the hip, not a major flexor. (b) Obturator: Refers to obturator internus and externus, which are primarily involved in lateral rotation of the hip. (c) Pectineus: A small muscle that assists in flexion and adduction of the hip but is not the most powerful flexor. (d) Iliopsoas: A combination of the iliacus and psoas major muscles, which are the primary and most powerful flexors of the hip.

Step 3: Focus on the iliopsoas muscle group. The iliopsoas is composed of two muscles: the iliacus and the psoas major. Together, they are responsible for strong hip flexion and are considered the most powerful flexors of the hip joint.

Step 4: Compare the iliopsoas to the other muscles listed. While the piriformis, obturator, and pectineus have roles in hip movement, none of them are as specialized or powerful in flexion as the iliopsoas.

Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is based on the muscle's primary function and strength in flexion. The iliopsoas is the most powerful flexor of the hip, making it the correct choice.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

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

Hip Flexors

Hip flexors are a group of muscles located in the front of the hip that are responsible for flexing the hip joint, allowing the thigh to move towards the torso. The primary hip flexors include the iliopsoas, rectus femoris, and sartorius, with the iliopsoas being the most powerful and significant in hip flexion.

Iliopsoas Muscle

The iliopsoas is a major muscle group composed of the psoas major and iliacus muscles. It originates from the lumbar spine and the iliac fossa of the pelvis, inserting into the lesser trochanter of the femur. This muscle is crucial for hip flexion and stabilizing the pelvis during movement.

Muscle Function and Anatomy

Understanding muscle function and anatomy is essential for identifying which muscles perform specific actions. Each muscle has a unique role based on its location, origin, insertion, and innervation, which determines its contribution to movements such as flexion, extension, and rotation of the hip joint.