AQA GCSE · Question 13.3 · The Human Body and Movement in Physical Activity and Sport
Name two major muscle groups that allow the leg to move at the hip.
How to approach this question
Think about the movements that occur at the hip joint (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction). Name the major muscle groups responsible for these movements.
Full Answer
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint capable of a wide range of movements. Several major muscle groups act on it:
- **Gluteals (e.g., Gluteus Maximus):** The primary muscle for hip extension (moving the leg backwards).
- **Hip Flexors (e.g., Iliopsoas):** The primary muscles for hip flexion (lifting the knee towards the chest).
- **Hamstrings:** Assist with hip extension.
- **Quadriceps (specifically Rectus Femoris):** Assists with hip flexion.
- **Adductor group:** Responsible for adduction (moving the leg towards the midline).
- **Abductor group (e.g., Gluteus Medius):** Responsible for abduction (moving the leg away from the midline).
Common mistakes
Naming muscles that act on the knee but not the hip (e.g., just 'quadriceps' without specifying rectus femoris, as other quad muscles don't cross the hip).
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