Which of the following muscles is known for both abducting and laterally rotating the thigh?

The piriformis is well-known for both abducting and laterally rotating the thigh. As a muscle that originates from the anterior surface of the sacrum and inserts into the greater trochanter of the femur, the piriformis plays a crucial role in hip movement.

During hip abduction, when the thigh is moved away from the body's midline, the piriformis assists in this action, particularly when the hip is flexed. Additionally, it contributes significantly to lateral rotation of the thigh, which is the action of rotating the femur away from the midline of the body.

This dual function of the piriformis is especially important in activities that require a combination of both movements, such as walking or running. Understanding the roles of specific muscles like the piriformis enhances comprehension of functional anatomy and movement patterns related to the hip region.