Which spinal level corresponds to hip flexion?

Which spinal level corresponds to hip flexion?

• A. L1
• B. L2
• C. L3
• D. L4

Answer: (B)

Hip flexion is dominated by the iliopsoas muscle group, which is innervated mainly by the L2 myotome via the femoral nerve (with contributions from L1–L3 for psoas and L2–L4 for iliacus). In clinical testing, the L2 level best corresponds to hip flexion because it represents the primary motor input to this movement. Higher levels like L1 contribute but are less consistently tested for hip flexion, while lower levels such as L3–L4 are more involved in knee actions. Therefore, L2 is the most appropriate single level for hip flexion.

Hip flexion is dominated by the iliopsoas muscle group, which is innervated mainly by the L2 myotome via the femoral nerve (with contributions from L1–L3 for psoas and L2–L4 for iliacus). In clinical testing, the L2 level best corresponds to hip flexion because it represents the primary motor input to this movement. Higher levels like L1 contribute but are less consistently tested for hip flexion, while lower levels such as L3–L4 are more involved in knee actions. Therefore, L2 is the most appropriate single level for hip flexion.