What muscle spans from the anterior surfaces of the lumbar vertebrae to the lesser trochanter?

What muscle spans from the anterior surfaces of the lumbar vertebrae to the lesser trochanter?

• A. Iliacus, Psoas Major
• B. Rectus Abdominis
• C. Psoas Minor
• D. Quadratus Lumborum

Answer: (A)

The main idea is the hip flexor formed by the iliopsoas, a combination of two muscles that together span from the lumbar region to the femur. The psoas major arises from the anterior surfaces of the lumbar vertebrae (and adjacent discs) and travels downward, while the iliacus originates in the iliac fossa of the pelvis. They merge and insert on the lesser trochanter of the femur. Because their common insertion is the lesser trochanter and their origins include the lumbar region, this pair is the one that covers the span from the lumbar vertebrae to the lesser trochanter. Functionally, the iliopsoas is the prime hip flexor and also helps stabilize the spine during movement.

The main idea is the hip flexor formed by the iliopsoas, a combination of two muscles that together span from the lumbar region to the femur. The psoas major arises from the anterior surfaces of the lumbar vertebrae (and adjacent discs) and travels downward, while the iliacus originates in the iliac fossa of the pelvis. They merge and insert on the lesser trochanter of the femur. Because their common insertion is the lesser trochanter and their origins include the lumbar region, this pair is the one that covers the span from the lumbar vertebrae to the lesser trochanter. Functionally, the iliopsoas is the prime hip flexor and also helps stabilize the spine during movement.