Hip and Thigh Muscle Functions

Adductor longus

Adducts, medially rotates thigh

Adductor magnus

Adducts, medially rotates thigh, aids in hip extension

Biceps femoris

Knee flexion, hip extension

Gluteus maximus

Abducts, extends, laterally rotates hip joint

Gluteus medius and minimus

Abducts thigh, stabilizes the hip joint

Gracilis

Adducts thigh, flexes knee

Iliacus

Hip flexion

Iliotibial tract

where tensor fasciae latae inserts

Rectus femoris

Knee extension, hip flexion

Sartorius

Hip flexion, abduction, external rotation; Knee flexion, internal rotation

Semimembranosus and semitendinosus

Knee flexion

Tensor fasciae latae

Abducts and internally rotates thigh, stabilizes hip and knee joints

Vastus intermedius, lateralis, and medialis

Knee extension

Psoas major

Hip and trunk flexion