Which muscle is known as the greater loin muscle?

Which muscle is known as the greater loin muscle?

• A. Psoas major
• B. Ulnar collateral ligament
• C. Epimysium
• D. Falciform process

Answer: (A)

The name reflects location and size: the greater loin muscle refers to the large muscle of the lumbar (loin) region. The psoas major runs from the lumbar vertebrae down to the femur and is the main “loin” muscle in the back of the abdomen. It’s one of the muscles that, with the iliacus, forms the iliopsoas and is a powerful hip flexor. That’s why it’s known as the greater (great) loin muscle. The other structures listed aren’t muscles: one is a ligament, one is a connective tissue layer around muscle, and one is a peritoneal fold, so they don’t fit as muscle names.

The name reflects location and size: the greater loin muscle refers to the large muscle of the lumbar (loin) region. The psoas major runs from the lumbar vertebrae down to the femur and is the main “loin” muscle in the back of the abdomen. It’s one of the muscles that, with the iliacus, forms the iliopsoas and is a powerful hip flexor. That’s why it’s known as the greater (great) loin muscle. The other structures listed aren’t muscles: one is a ligament, one is a connective tissue layer around muscle, and one is a peritoneal fold, so they don’t fit as muscle names.