Which muscle originates from the outer surface of the ilium and inserts into the greater trochanter and is a weaker abductor of the hip?

• A. Gluteus Medius
• B. Gluteus Maximus
• C. Tensor Fasciae Latae
• D. Gluteus Minimus

Answer: (D)

The key idea is understanding which hip muscles abduct the thigh and where they attach. Both gluteus medius and gluteus minimus originate from the outer surface of the ilium and insert on the greater trochanter, making them abductors. However, the gluteus medius is the larger, primary abductors of the hip, while the gluteus minimus is smaller and acts as a secondary, weaker abductor. Since the question notes a weaker abductor that still attaches to the greater trochanter, the muscle described is the gluteus minimus. It also helps stabilize the pelvis during walking and contributes to medial rotation, but its size makes its abduction strength less than that of the gluteus medius.