Overview

Primary Muscles

• Gluteus medius

• Gluteus minimus

• Tensor fasciae latae (TFL)

Secondary/Assisting Muscle

• Sartorius

• Piriformis (assists when hip is flexed)

Origins & Insertions

Gluteus Medius

• Origin: Lateral ilium

• Insertion: Greater trochanter of femur

Gluteus Minimus

• Origin: Lateral ilium (inferior to medius)

• Insertion: Greater trochanter

Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL)

• Origin: Anterior iliac crest (ASIS)

• Insertion: Iliotibial (IT) band → lateral tibia

Functions

• Hip abduction (primary movement)

• Pelvic stabilization (especially during walking)

• Assist with internal rotation (anterior fibers)

• Maintain single-leg balance

Functional Role

• Keeps pelvis level when walking or standing on one leg

• Prevents hip drop (Trendelenburg pattern)

• Essential for balance, gait, and athletic movement

Overview

Primary Muscles

• Adductor longus

• Adductor brevis

• Adductor magnus

Secondary Muscles

• Gracilis

• Pectineus

Origins & Insertions

Adductor Longus

• Origin: Pubis

• Insertion: Middle linea aspera of femur

Adductor Brevis

• Origin: Pubis

• Insertion: Proximal linea aspera

Adductor Magnus

• Origin: Pubis & ischial tuberosity

• Insertion: Linea aspera & adductor tubercle

Gracilis

• Origin: Pubis

• Insertion: Medial tibia

Pectineus

• Origin: Superior pubic ramus

• Insertion: Proximal femur

Functions

• Hip adduction (primary movement)

• Assist in hip flexion (anterior fibers)

• Assist in hip extension (posterior portion of adductor magnus)

• Stabilize pelvis during movement

Functional Role

• Controls leg position during walking and running

• Provides medial stability of the thigh

• Important for directional changes and balance

• Helps stabilize pelvis and lower body alignment

Comparison

Abductors:

• Move leg outward

• Control pelvic stability

• Key for balance and gait

Adductors:

• Bring leg inward

• Control alignment and stability

• Key for control and deceleration