Overview of the hip abductors, their anatomy, and role in pelvic stability and movement.
Abductors
The abductors are a group of muscles located on the lateral (outside) thigh and hip. The primary hip abductor muscles include the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae, with secondary abductors like the piriformis, sartorius, and superior fibers of the gluteus maximus.
These muscles are responsible for moving the leg away from the midline of the body (hip abduction) and play a crucial role in stabilizing the pelvis during activities such as walking, running, and standing on one leg. They also contribute to hip rotation.