Which action is primarily performed by the adductor magnus muscle at the hip joint?

• A. Adduction of the thigh at the hip
• B. Plantar flexion of the foot at the ankle
• C. Abduction of the thigh at the hip
• D. Extension of the leg at the knee

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the anatomical location and primary function of the adductor magnus muscle. It is located in the medial compartment of the thigh and is known for its role in moving the thigh.
2. Recall that the term 'adduction' refers to movement toward the midline of the body, while 'abduction' refers to movement away from the midline.
3. Understand that the adductor magnus muscle primarily pulls the thigh toward the body's midline, which corresponds to adduction at the hip joint.
4. Recognize that plantar flexion of the foot at the ankle involves muscles in the lower leg, not the thigh, so this action is unrelated to the adductor magnus.
5. Note that extension of the leg at the knee is controlled by muscles like the quadriceps, not the adductor magnus, and abduction of the thigh is performed by muscles such as the gluteus medius, not the adductor magnus.