In the context of muscle actions at the hip joint, what is the primary action of the adductor magnus muscle?

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

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the anatomical location and function of the adductor magnus muscle. It is a large muscle located on the medial side of the thigh, primarily involved in movements of the hip joint.
2. Step 2: Understand the term 'adduction' in the context of muscle actions. Adduction refers to moving a limb toward the midline of the body, which in this case means moving the thigh inward toward the body's center.
3. Step 3: Recognize that the adductor magnus muscle's fibers run from the pelvis to the femur in a way that facilitates pulling the thigh toward the midline, making adduction its primary action.
4. Step 4: Differentiate adduction from other actions listed, such as abduction (moving the limb away from the midline), dorsiflexion (movement at the ankle), and extension of the leg at the knee, which are actions performed by different muscles.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the primary action of the adductor magnus muscle is the adduction of the thigh at the hip joint.