All of the following are attached to the greater trochanter of femur, EXCEPT:
**Core Concept**
The greater trochanter of the femur is an anatomical site of attachment for several muscles and ligaments that play crucial roles in hip joint stability and movement. These structures are essential for the normal functioning of the hip joint, facilitating movements such as flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles are indeed attached to the greater trochanter of the femur via their respective tendons. These muscles are key to hip abduction, stabilization of the pelvis during gait, and facilitating movements such as climbing stairs. The piriformis muscle also attaches to the greater trochanter, playing a role in hip external rotation and stabilization of the hip joint.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The obturator externus muscle attaches to the greater trochanter of the femur, specifically the trochanteric fossa. It aids in hip rotation and stabilization.
**Option B:** The gluteus maximus muscle is actually attached to the iliotibial tract and the gluteal tuberosity of the femur, rather than the greater trochanter. It plays a key role in hip extension and external rotation.
**Option C:** The piriformis muscle, as mentioned earlier, attaches to the greater trochanter and plays a role in hip external rotation and stabilization.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The gluteus medius and minimus muscles are often referred to as the "abductor muscles of the hip." Weakness in these muscles can lead to conditions such as Trendelenburg gait, where the pelvis on the opposite side of the affected limb drops during single-leg stance.
**Correct Answer: B. The gluteus maximus muscle is actually attached to the iliotibial tract and the gluteal tuberosity of the femur, rather than the greater trochanter.**