The gluteus minimus is a prime mover in which hip motion?

The gluteus minimus is a prime mover in which hip motion?

• A. Flexion
• B. Abduction
• C. Internal Rotation
• D. External Rotation

Answer: (C)

The main idea is how the muscle’s fibers pull the femur. The gluteus minimus sits on the lateral pelvis and attaches to the anterior aspect of the greater trochanter. Its anterior fibers pull the femur medially, so when the hip is flexed these fibers rotate the thigh inward. This medial (internal) rotation is the action most strongly produced by the minimus in hip flexion, and the muscle also assists with flexion itself. While it does contribute to abduction, the specific internal rotation, especially with a flexed hip, is the characteristic action of this muscle.

The main idea is how the muscle’s fibers pull the femur. The gluteus minimus sits on the lateral pelvis and attaches to the anterior aspect of the greater trochanter. Its anterior fibers pull the femur medially, so when the hip is flexed these fibers rotate the thigh inward. This medial (internal) rotation is the action most strongly produced by the minimus in hip flexion, and the muscle also assists with flexion itself. While it does contribute to abduction, the specific internal rotation, especially with a flexed hip, is the characteristic action of this muscle.