Which muscles contribute to hip adduction?

• A. Piriformis
• B. Adductor Longus, Adductor Brevis, Adductor Magnus, Gracilis, and Pectineus
• C. Gluteus Medius and Gluteus Minimus
• D. Tensor Fasciae Latae

Answer: (B)

Hip adduction is bringing the thigh toward the midline of the body. The muscles that accomplish this are the adductor group along with the inner-thigh muscles that cross the hip joint medially: adductor longus, adductor brevis, adductor magnus, gracilis, and pectineus. These muscles originate on the pubis and nearby structures and insert on the femur, pulling the thigh inward when they contract. The adductor part of the magnus mainly handles bringing the thigh together, with its hamstring part contributing to hip extension in some actions.

The other muscles mentioned don’t primarily adduct the hip. The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus are the main abductors, helping lift and stabilize the pelvis. The tensor fasciae latae also favors abduction and medial rotation (and some flexion) rather than adduction. The piriformis acts mainly as a lateral rotator and, when the hip is flexed, can assist with abduction rather than adduction.