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Hip and Pelvis Anatomy and Physiology

By Elizabeth Quinn, About.com

Updated: September 16, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

The hip is the most stable joint in the body and is well protected. It is surrounded by muscle on all sides, but has greatrange of motion. This ball and socket joint lies between the head of the femur and the acetabulum of the pelvis.

The hip has multiple muscle attachments (back, abdomen, hamstrings, quadriceps, abductors and adductors, and gluteal muscles). Most of the muscles of the hip are shorter and fatter than those of the leg, and allow rotation and help stabalize the joint. Most of the hip injuries result from these small muscles being overused or pushed to hard.

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