Hip Muscles Of The Human Body
The human hip plays a crucial role in our movement and posture. It is powered by a complex system of muscles, each with its unique function. In this informative article, we will explore the various hip muscles and their specific roles. We will discuss their origins and insertions, as well as their structural and functional roles.
We will also delve into their isolated and integrated functions, highlighting how they work together with other muscles to support the body’s needs. Additionally, we will discuss the innervation of these muscles and the neurological control that governs them. This article is an essential resource for fitness enthusiasts, medical professionals, and anyone interested in learning about the intricate workings of the human body.
Defining Terms
Origin – The fixed attachment point of a muscle. This is typically the end of the muscle that attaches to the more stationary bone in a pair of bones being moved by that muscle. The origin is generally proximal, meaning closer to the center of the body, or on the more stable part of the skeletal structure.
Insertion – The insertion point of a muscle is where it attaches to the bone and is the part that moves during muscle contraction. This part of the muscle is usually located far from the center of the body, and moves towards the muscle’s origin when it contracts. Understanding the insertion point is important in determining a muscle’s function in movement and leverage, as it influences the direction and force of the movement produced by the muscle contraction.
Isolated Function – The term “isolated function” refers to the specific action a muscle performs when it contracts independently, without the influence of other muscles. Understanding this concept is crucial for comprehending the primary role of each muscle in movement, as it highlights the muscle’s unique ability to produce a particular movement at a joint. The study of isolated functions is often used to understand muscle imbalances, rehabilitation needs, and design targeted exercises for strengthening or stretching a specific muscle.
Integrated Function – The coordinated action of muscles is crucial during complex movements and requires them to work in concert with other muscles and body systems. Isolated function, which focuses on a muscle acting alone, is not enough to fully understand bodily movements. Integrated function, on the other hand, emphasizes how muscles function together in groups, providing a more holistic view of bodily movements. This concept is essential to comprehend how muscles contribute to overall body mechanics, stability, and efficiency during everyday activities and sports.
Innervation – the supply of nerves to a muscle, which enables the muscle to receive and respond to neural signals. This connection is crucial for muscle activation and control, as it allows the nervous system to regulate muscle contractions, both voluntary and involuntary. Innervation is a key aspect in understanding how muscles function, their responsiveness to stimuli, and their role in movement and sensation.
Concentric – refers to a type of muscle contraction in which the muscle fibers shorten as they contract. This occurs when a muscle generates enough force to overcome resistance, resulting in the movement of body parts towards each other. A common example of a concentric contraction is the upward movement during a bicep curl, where the bicep muscle shortens to lift the weight. Concentric contractions are integral to many types of physical activities and exercises, playing a key role in building muscle strength and movement.
Eccentric – refers to a type of muscle contraction where the muscle lengthens while under tension. This occurs when a muscle gradually controls or resists the movement caused by an external force, like gravity. Eccentric contractions are often associated with controlled lowering or decelerating actions, such as lowering a weight during a bicep curl or descending stairs. They play a crucial role in activities requiring controlled movements and are significant in muscle strengthening and injury prevention.
Isometric – refers to a type of muscle contraction where the muscle generates force without changing its length. During isometric exercises, the muscle neither shortens (as in concentric contractions) nor lengthens (as in eccentric contractions), but tension is still produced. Common examples include holding a plank position or maintaining a squat. Isometric contractions are essential for stabilizing joints and maintaining posture, and they are often used in rehabilitation and strength training programs.
Adductor Longus
Origin
Anterior surface of the inferior pubic ramus of the pelvis
Insertion
Linea aspera of the femur
Isolated Function
Concentric action – Accelerates hip adduction, flexion and internal rotation
Integrated Function
Eccentric action – Decelerates hip abduction, extension and external rotation
Isometric action – Stabilizes the Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex
Innervation
Obturator nerve
Adductor Magnus, Anterior Fibers
Origin
Ischial ramus of the pelvis
Insertion
Linea aspera of the femur
Isolated Function
Concentric action – Accelerates hip adduction, flexion and internal rotation
Integrated Function
Eccentric action – Decelerates hip abduction, extension and external rotation
Isometric action – Stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex
Innervation
Obturator nerve
Adductor Brevis
Origin
Anterior surface of the inferior pubic ramus of the pelvis
Insertion
Proximal one-third of the linea aspera of the femur
Isolated Function
Concentric action – Accelerates hip adduction, flexion and internal
Integrated Function
Eccentric action – Decelerates hip abduction, extension and external rotation
Isometric action – Stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex
Innervation
Obturator nerve
Gracilis
Origin
Anterior aspect of the lower body of the pubis
Insertion
Proximal medial surface of the tibia (pes anserine)
Isolated Function
Concentric action – Accelerates hip adduction, flexion and internal rotation and assists in tibial internal rotation
Integrated Function
Eccentric action – Decelerates hip abduction, extension and external rotation
Isometric action – Stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex and knee
Innervation
Obturator nerve
Pectinus
Origin
Pectineal line on the superior pubic ramus of the pelvis
Insertion
Pectineal line on the posterior surface of the upper femur
Isolated Function
Concentric action – accelerates hip adduction, flexion and internal rotation
Integrated Function
Eccentric action – Declerates hip abduction, extension and external rotation
Isometric action – Stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex
Innervation
Obturator nerve
Gluteus Medius. Anterior Fibers
Origin
Outer surface of the ilium
Insertion
The lateral surface of the greater trochanter of the femur
Isolated Function
Concentric action – Accelerates hip abduction and internal rotation
Integrated Function
Eccentric action – Decelerates hip adduction and external rotation
Isometric action – Dynamically stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex
Innervation
Superior gluteal nerve
Gluteus Medius, Posterior Fibers
Origin
Outer surface of the ilium
Insertion
Lateral surface of the greater trochanter of the femur
Isolated Function
Concentric action – Accelerates hip abduction and external rotation
Integrated Function
Eccentric action – Decelerates hip adduction and internal rotation
Isometric action – Stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex
Innervation
Superior gluteal nerve
Gluteus Minimus
Origin
Ilium between the anterior and inferior gluteal line
Insertion
Greater trochanter of the femur
Isolated Function
Concentric action – Accelerates hip abduction, flexion and internal rotation
Integrated Function
Eccentric action – Decelerates frontal plane hip adduction, extension and external rotation
Isometric action – Stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex
Innervation
Superior gluteal nerve
Tensor Fascia Latae
Origin
Outer surface of the iliac crest just posterior to the anterior superior iliac spine of the pelvis
Insertion
Proximal one-third of the iliotibial band
Isolated Function
Concentric action – Accelerates hip flexion. abduction and internal rotation
Integrated Function
Eccentric action – Decelerates hip extension. adduction and external rotation
Isometric action – Stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex
Innervation
Superior gluteal nerve
Gluteus Maximus
Origin
Outer ilium, posterior side of sacrum and coccyx and part of the sacrotuberous and posterior sacroiliac ligament
Insertion
Gluteal tuberosity of the femur and iliotbial tract
Isolated Function
Concentric action – Accelerates hip extension and external rotation
Integrated Function
Eccentric action – Decelerates hip flexion, internal rotation and tibial internal rotation via the iliotibial band
Isometric action – Stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex
Innervation
Inferior gluteal nerve
Psoas Major
Origin
Transverse processes and lateral bodies of the last thoracic and all lumbar vertebrae, including intervertebral discs
Insertion
Lesser trochanter of thefemur as iliopsoas tendon
Isolated Function
Concentric action – Accelerates hip flexion and external rotation and extends and rotates lumbar
Integrated Function
Eccentric action – Decelerates hip internal rotation and decelerates hip extension
Isometric action – Stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex
Innervation
Spinal nerve branches of L1-L3
Iliacus
Origin
Iliac fossa
Insertion
Lesser trochanter of the femur as the iliopsoas tendon
Isolated Function
Concentric action – Accelerates hip flexion and external rotation and extends and rotates lumbar spine
Integrated Function
Eccentric action – Decelerates hip internal rotation and decelerates hip extension
Isometric action – Stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex
Innervation
Spinal nerve branches of L2-L4
Sartorius
Origin
Anterior superior iliac spine of the pelvis
Insertion
Proximal medial surface of the tibia
Isolated Function
Concentric action – Accelerates hip flexion, external rotation, and abduction and accelerates knee flexion and internal rotation
Integrated Function
Eccentric action – Decelerates hip extension and internal rotation and knee extension and external rotation
Isometric action – Stabilizes the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex and knee
Innervation
Femoral nerve
Piriformis
Origin
Anterior surface of the sacrum
Insertion
The greater trochanter of the femur
Isolated Function
Concentric action – Accelerates hip external rotation, abduction and extension
Integrated Function
Eccentric action – Decelerates hip internal rotation, adduction and flexion
Isometric action – Stabilizes the hip and sacroiliac joints
Innervation
Sciatic nerve
Conclusion
Throughout our exploration of the hip muscles, we have gained a comprehensive understanding of these essential components of the musculoskeletal system. This article has provided a detailed examination of each muscle’s origin and insertion, as well as an in-depth analysis of their isolated and integrated functions. By doing so, we have illuminated the complexity and sophistication of hip muscular anatomy.
We have discussed the nuances of how these muscles operate, both individually and collectively, contributing to our ability to move, balance, and perform daily activities. Additionally, the discussion of innervation has highlighted the crucial interplay between the nervous system and muscle function, emphasizing the importance of hip muscles in overall bodily coordination and health. This knowledge is invaluable for those in the fields of medicine and fitness, but also enlightening for anyone interested in understanding the remarkable capabilities and resilience of the human body. In conclusion, it is evident that the hip muscles, with their complexity and functionality, are fundamental to our mobility and a testament to the intricate design of our anatomy.
References
National Academy of Sports Medicine. NASM Essentials of Personal Training. Jones and Bartlett Publishers; 7th edition (Jan. 4, 2021)
National Academy of Sports Medicine. NASM Essentials of Corrective Exercise Training. Jones and Bartlett Publishers; 2nd edition (Jan. 13, 2021)