Muscle Name: Abductors (Outer Thigh)
Medical Name:
Other Names:
Heads:
- Gluteus Medius
- Gluteus Minimus
- Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL)
- Sartorius
Gluteus Medius
Movement:
- Abduction of the hip
- Moving the thigh to the side
- Medial rotation of the hip (anterior fibers)
- Rotating the thigh inward
- Lateral rotation of the hip (posterior fibers)
- Rotating the thigh outward
- Stabilization of the pelvis
- Maintaining pelvic alignment during movement
Attachment:
- Origin:
- External surface of the ilium, between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines
- Insertion:
- Lateral surface of the greater trochanter of the femur
Gluteus Minimus
Movement:
- Abduction of the hip
- Moving the thigh to the side
- Medial rotation of the hip
- Rotating the thigh inward
- Stabilization of the pelvis
- Maintaining pelvic alignment during movement
Attachment:
- Origin:
- External surface of the ilium, between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines
- Insertion:
- Anterior surface of the greater trochanter of the femur
Tensor Fasciae Latae (TFL)
Movement:
- Abduction of the hip
- Moving the thigh to the side
- Medial rotation of the hip
- Rotating the thigh inward
- Flexion of the hip
- Lifting the thigh upwards
- Tensing the fascia lata
- Stabilizing the leg and knee
Attachment:
- Origin:
- Anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)
- Anterior part of the iliac crest
- Insertion:
- Iliotibial tract (IT band), which attaches to the lateral condyle of the tibia
Sartorius
Movement:
- Flexion of the hip
- Lifting the thigh upwards
- Abduction of the hip
- Moving the thigh to the side
- Lateral rotation of the hip
- Rotating the thigh outward
- Flexion of the knee
Attachment:
- Origin:
- Anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)
- Insertion:
- Medial surface of the proximal tibia (part of the pes anserinus)
Related Muscles:
- Gluteus Maximus
- Quadriceps
- Adductor Group
- Iliopsoas
