Hip abduction involves moving the leg in which direction?

Hip abduction involves moving the leg in which direction?

• A. Back
• B. Inward
• C. Forward
• D. Out to the side

Answer: (D)

Hip abduction is moving the leg away from the body's midline, out to the side. This is the movement you’d use when stepping out to the side or keeping the leg to the side while standing. The other directions correspond to different motions: moving toward the midline is adduction, while moving backward or forward refers to extension and flexion of the hip, respectively. Abductor muscles like the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae control this motion and help stabilize the pelvis during movement.

Hip abduction is moving the leg away from the body's midline, out to the side. This is the movement you’d use when stepping out to the side or keeping the leg to the side while standing. The other directions correspond to different motions: moving toward the midline is adduction, while moving backward or forward refers to extension and flexion of the hip, respectively. Abductor muscles like the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae control this motion and help stabilize the pelvis during movement.