Muscles of the Hip – Chart

Pelvis OriginInsertion Action Notes 
Gluteus maximusPosterior ilium, sacrum coccyxFemur (greater trochanter) and Iliotibial bandForceful extension of the hip, lateral rotation of extended hip, abduct hip (IT band), lower fibers (inserting on trochanter) adduct hip,
External rotation
stabilizes knee

 

 

Gluteus mediusIlium between posterior and anterior gluteal lines (below crest)Greater trochanter of femurAbducts and rotates thigh medially (internally), abducts, flexes and extends the hipstabilizes pelvis 
Gluteus minimusPosterior ilium between anterior and inferior gluteal linesAnterior surface of greater trochanter of femurAbducts and medially (internally) rotates thigh, stabilizes pelvis on femurstabilizes pelvis 
Tensor fascia lataeAnterior iliac crest (posterior to anterior superior iliac spine)Iliotibial band which continues to attach to lateral condyle of tibiaFlexes, internally:
rotates and abducts thigh,
prevents collapse of extended knee in walking
 
Psoas majorLumbar vertebrae, T12-L5
Bodies and transverse processes 
Lesser trochanter of femurFlexion of hipWhen femur is stabilized it may increases the lordotic curve in the lumbar spine and rotates the pelvis downward.

 

Alternate theory: acting with posterior transversospinalis act to erect (lift or straighten) the spine

Provides support for the spine and maintains disc space when functioning properly.

 

 

IliacusIliac fossaLesser trochanter of the femurFlexes, laterally rotates and adducts the hipWith femur fixed, acts in rotating pelvis anteriorly 
PiriformisAnterior surface of the sacrumGreater trochanter of femurExternal rotation of femurAdducts the thigh when the hip is flexed

 

With femur fixed, bilaterally moves pelvis backward (decreasing lordosis); unilaterally medially rotates pelvis

 
 Deep lateral rotators
(Superior and Inferior Gemelli, Obturator Internus and Externus, Quadratus femoris)
Ischium, obturator foramen Trochanter Laterally rotate thigh, stabilize hip