Which muscle is primarily a hip extensor and originates from the posterior pelvis?

Which muscle is primarily a hip extensor and originates from the posterior pelvis?

• A. Iliopsoas
• B. Tensor Fasciae Latae
• C. Gluteus Medius
• D. Gluteus Maximus

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is identifying the muscle that acts as the primary hip extensor and its origin. The gluteus maximus is the most powerful hip extensor, especially when the thigh is moving from flexed toward extended, and it has a posterior pelvic origin. It originates from the posterior ilium, the sacrum and coccyx, and the thoracolumbar fascia, then inserts on the gluteal tuberosity of the femur and the iliotibial tract. This posterior pelvic origin aligns with the description and explains its role in driving hip extension. In contrast, the iliopsoas is a hip flexor with origins on the iliac fossa and lumbar vertebrae; the tensor fasciae latae originates from the iliac crest/ASIS and mainly assists with flexion, abduction, and stabilization; the gluteus medius originates on the outer surface of the ilium and functions primarily as a hip abductor and stabilizer rather than a primary extensor.

The main idea here is identifying the muscle that acts as the primary hip extensor and its origin. The gluteus maximus is the most powerful hip extensor, especially when the thigh is moving from flexed toward extended, and it has a posterior pelvic origin. It originates from the posterior ilium, the sacrum and coccyx, and the thoracolumbar fascia, then inserts on the gluteal tuberosity of the femur and the iliotibial tract. This posterior pelvic origin aligns with the description and explains its role in driving hip extension. In contrast, the iliopsoas is a hip flexor with origins on the iliac fossa and lumbar vertebrae; the tensor fasciae latae originates from the iliac crest/ASIS and mainly assists with flexion, abduction, and stabilization; the gluteus medius originates on the outer surface of the ilium and functions primarily as a hip abductor and stabilizer rather than a primary extensor.