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Ch. 10 The Muscular System
Marieb - Human Anatomy & Physiology 11th Edition
Marieb, Hoehn11th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874034Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMarieb, Hoehn 11th EditionCh. 10 The Muscular SystemProblem 11
Chapter 10, Problem 11

The prime mover of thigh extension against resistance is the:
a. Gluteus maximus
b. Gluteus medius
c. Biceps femoris
d. Semimembranosus

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the action described in the problem, which is thigh extension against resistance. Thigh extension refers to moving the thigh backward, increasing the angle between the front of the thigh and the pelvis.
Step 2: Identify the muscles listed in the options and their primary functions. The gluteus maximus is known for powerful hip extension, the gluteus medius primarily abducts the thigh, the biceps femoris is part of the hamstrings involved in knee flexion and hip extension, and the semimembranosus is also a hamstring muscle involved in hip extension and knee flexion.
Step 3: Recognize that the term 'prime mover' refers to the muscle that is the main contributor to a specific movement, especially against resistance.
Step 4: Compare the muscles' roles in thigh extension. While the hamstring muscles (biceps femoris and semimembranosus) assist in hip extension, the gluteus maximus is the most powerful and primary muscle responsible for thigh extension against resistance.
Step 5: Conclude that the prime mover of thigh extension against resistance is the gluteus maximus, based on its size, strength, and primary function.

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Key Concepts

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

Thigh Extension Movement

Thigh extension refers to the backward movement of the thigh at the hip joint, increasing the angle between the front of the thigh and the pelvis. This motion is essential in activities like standing up, walking, and running.
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Bones of the Thigh and Leg

Prime Mover (Agonist) Muscle

The prime mover is the main muscle responsible for producing a specific movement. In thigh extension, the prime mover generates the majority of force to extend the hip against resistance.
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Muscle Actions

Muscles Involved in Thigh Extension

Key muscles that contribute to thigh extension include the gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, and semimembranosus. The gluteus maximus is the largest and most powerful hip extensor, while the biceps femoris and semimembranosus are part of the hamstrings group assisting in this movement.
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Muscle Naming
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Which criterion (or criteria) is/are used in naming the gluteus medius?

a. Relative size

b. Muscle location

c. Muscle shape

d. Action

e. Number of origins

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Textbook Question

Which muscles act to propel food down the length of the pharynx to the esophagus?

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Textbook Question

Which of the following is a large, deep muscle that protracts the scapula during punching?

a. Serratus anterior

b. Rhomboids

c. Levator scapulae

d. Subscapularis

1031
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Textbook Question

Intrinsic muscles of the back that promote extension of the spine (or head) include all but:

a. Splenius muscles

b. Semispinalis muscles

c. Scalene muscles

d. Erector spinae

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Textbook Question

A prime mover of thigh flexion is the:

a. Rectus femoris

b. Iliopsoas

c. Vastus muscles

d. Gluteus maximus

1267
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Textbook Question

Several muscles act to move and/or stabilize the scapula. Which of the following are small rectangular muscles that square the shoulders as they act together to retract the scapula?

a. Levator scapulae

b. Rhomboids

c. Serratus anterior

d. Trapezius

1402
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