The inferior gemellus does what action?

The inferior gemellus does what action?

• A. Abducts a flexed thigh
• B. Flexes the thigh
• C. Medially rotates the thigh
• D. Laterally rotates an extended thigh

Answer: (D)

The inferior gemellus is one of the deep hip rotator muscles that primarily performs external (lateral) rotation of the thigh at the hip. Its fibers and tendon align to rotate the femur outward when the hip is in extension, helping to stabilize the joint and control movement. While these muscles can assist with abduction when the hip is flexed, their classic and most tested action is lateral rotation of an extended thigh. Hence, the best answer is the one describing lateral rotation of an extended thigh. (Innervation is by the nerve to obturator internus, L5–S2, if you’re adding context.)

The inferior gemellus is one of the deep hip rotator muscles that primarily performs external (lateral) rotation of the thigh at the hip. Its fibers and tendon align to rotate the femur outward when the hip is in extension, helping to stabilize the joint and control movement. While these muscles can assist with abduction when the hip is flexed, their classic and most tested action is lateral rotation of an extended thigh. Hence, the best answer is the one describing lateral rotation of an extended thigh. (Innervation is by the nerve to obturator internus, L5–S2, if you’re adding context.)