NEET PG Medical – 2012 – Question – 42
In walking, gravity tends to tilt pelvis and trunk to the unsupported side, major factor in preventing this unwanted movement is?
a) Adductor muscles
b) Quadriceps
c) Gluteus maximus
d) Gluteus medius and minimus
Correct Answer – D
The gluteus medius muscle abducts and medially rotates the femur at the hip joint. In addition, the gluteus medius holds the pelvis secure over the stance leg, preventing pelvic drop on the opposite swing side during gait. The superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1) innervates this muscle.
The action of the gluteus minimus muscle is the same as that of the gluteus medius—it abducts the femur at the hip joint, holding the pelvis secure over the stance leg and preventing pelvic drop on the opposite swing side during gait and hip medial rotation. The inferior gluteal nerve (L5, S1, S2) innervates this muscle.