Which action does the adductor magnus perform?

Which action does the adductor magnus perform?

• A. Adduction and medial rotation of the thigh
• B. Abduction of the thigh with lateral rotation
• C. Flexion of the knee
• D. Dorsiflexion of the foot

Answer: (A)

The action being tested is how the adductor magnus moves the thigh at the hip. This muscle, located on the inner thigh, has two parts with combined effects that center on bringing the thigh toward the midline. Its primary action is adduction of the thigh, and its fibers also mediate medial rotation of the thigh. The posterior (hamstring) portion can extend the thigh, but the overall, most characteristic movement is adduction with medial rotation. Abduction with lateral rotation is a function of the gluteal group, not this muscle. Flexion of the knee is performed by the hamstrings crossing the knee, not by the adductor magnus at the hip. Dorsiflexion of the foot involves the anterior leg muscles, not the thigh adductors.

The action being tested is how the adductor magnus moves the thigh at the hip. This muscle, located on the inner thigh, has two parts with combined effects that center on bringing the thigh toward the midline. Its primary action is adduction of the thigh, and its fibers also mediate medial rotation of the thigh. The posterior (hamstring) portion can extend the thigh, but the overall, most characteristic movement is adduction with medial rotation.

Abduction with lateral rotation is a function of the gluteal group, not this muscle. Flexion of the knee is performed by the hamstrings crossing the knee, not by the adductor magnus at the hip. Dorsiflexion of the foot involves the anterior leg muscles, not the thigh adductors.