Give the origin and insertion of gluteus minimus and its primary action.

• A. Origin: external surface of the ilium. Insertion: greater trochanter. Action: abducts and medially rotates the thigh.
• B. Origin: iliac crest. Insertion: greater trochanter. Action: flexes thigh.
• C. Origin: external surface of the ilium. Insertion: lesser trochanter. Action: adducts thigh.
• D. Origin: ischial surface. Insertion: greater trochanter. Action: abducts thigh.

Answer: (A)

The main concept here is how gluteus minimus attaches to the pelvis and femur and what that pull does at the hip. It originates from the external (outer) surface of the ilium, between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines, and inserts on the greater trochanter of the femur (the anterior facet). Because its fibers pull the femur laterally away from the body, it primarily abducts the thigh at the hip; their anterior direction also gives the thigh a medial (inward) rotation component. This action helps stabilize the pelvis during walking. The other descriptions miss one or more key details: for instance, origin on the iliac crest or insertion on the lesser trochanter would not describe gluteus minimus, and claiming a primary flexion action doesn’t fit its main role as an abductor with medial rotation.