CoursesAnatomyLower limbHip and thighMuscles of the hip and thigh

CoursesAnatomyLower limbHip and thighMuscles of the hip and thigh

Muscles of the hip and thigh

Learning objectives

After completing this study unit you will be able to:

Identify and name the muscle groups found in the hip and thigh region.
Describe the attachments, innervation and functions of the muscle groups as well as the individual muscles in each group.
Appreciate the appearance and relations of each muscle.

Watch videos

The muscles of the hip and thigh are divided into three major groups:

Gluteal muscles, comprised of superficial and deep groups.
Iliopsoas muscles
Thigh muscles, that are subdivided into the anterior, medial and posterior groups.

Together, these groups comprise 27 muscles in total. Watch our video tutorial to learn and understand the anatomy and functions of all the muscles of the hip and thigh.

If you would like to focus on any particular one of the muscle groups, have a look at the following video tutorials:

Take a quiz

Take our quiz, designed on the basis of spaced repetition, to solidify your knowledge and discover potential weak spots.

If you want to be challenged even further, try out our customizable quiz and select the specific topic which you want to be quizzed on.

Browse atlas

Take a closer look at the muscles of the hip and thigh from an anterior perspective in the gallery below.

Explore the muscles of the hip and thigh from a posterior perspective next.

Summary

Key points about the muscles of the hip and thigh
Iliopsoas muscles	Iliacus, psoas major (+ psoas minor)
Gluteal muscles	Superficial group: Gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fasciae latae Deep group: Piriformis, obturator internus, superior gemellus, inferior gemellus, quadratus femoris (obturator externus in medial compartment of thigh)
Thigh muscles	Anterior muscles: Sartorius, quadriceps femoris (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, vastus medialis) Medial muscles: Pectineus, adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus, adductor minimus, gracilis obturator externus Posterior muscles: Biceps femoris, semimembranosus, semitendinosus

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