The iliofemoral (Y-shaped ligament of Bigelow) is the strongest ligament of the hip joint. It resists which movement most powerfully?

• A Flexion of the hip
• B Adduction of the hip
• C Extension and hyperextension of the hip ✓
• D Internal rotation of the hip

Explanation

The iliofemoral ligament (Y-ligament of Bigelow) is anterior and becomes taut in extension and hyperextension of the hip joint, preventing backward falling when standing upright with minimal muscle effort. This is why humans can stand erect with relatively relaxed gluteal muscles — the taut iliofemoral ligament passively supports the posture. It runs from the anterior inferior iliac spine to the intertrochanteric line and is the strongest ligament in the body.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.