Which muscle is primarily responsible for abducting the hip?

• A. Tensor Fasciae Latae
• B. Sartorius
• C. Piriformis
• D. Gluteus Maximus

Answer: (A)

Abduction of the hip means moving the thigh away from the midline. The muscle that reliably performs this action among the listed options is the tensor fasciae latae, which abducts the hip and also helps stabilize the pelvis through the iliotibial band, especially when the leg is flexed. The other muscles have different primary roles: the sartorius assists in flexion and diagonal crossing of the thigh and can aid in abduction, but not as its main function; the piriformis mainly acts as a lateral rotator with some abduction when the hip is flexed; and the gluteus maximus is primarily an extensor and external rotator, contributing little to abduction as a primary action.