Which muscle primarily acts to abduct the hip?

The muscle that primarily acts to abduct the hip is the Tensor Fasciae Latae. This muscle is located on the lateral aspect of the thigh and is involved in stabilizing the pelvis while walking or running. Its primary function is to facilitate hip abduction, which is the movement of the leg away from the midline of the body. It works in conjunction with the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus to perform abduction and maintain balance during movement.

In contrast, the quadriceps primarily function to extend the knee and do not play a significant role in hip abduction. The gluteus maximus is chiefly responsible for hip extension and external rotation, not abduction. The adductor longus, as its name suggests, is primarily responsible for adducting the thigh toward the midline. Therefore, Tensor Fasciae Latae is the most relevant muscle in relation to the abduction of the hip.