Which of the following muscles are synergists to the gluteals?

The gluteal muscles, which include the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus, are primarily responsible for hip extension, abduction, and rotation. The hamstrings and piriformis serve as synergists to the gluteals because they assist in these movements, especially in hip extension and stabilization during activities that involve the hips.

The hamstrings, located at the back of the thigh, are involved in extending the hip when the knee is flexed, which complements the work of the gluteal muscles. The piriformis, situated deep within the gluteal region, assists in lateral rotation and abduction of the hip. Together, these muscles enhance the effectiveness of the gluteal muscles during various functional activities, including running, jumping, and climbing.

In contrast, the other choices involve muscles that do not share the same synergistic roles with the gluteals. The psoas and iliacus primarily flex the hip, while the sartorius and vastus lateralis are involved in flexion and extension of the knee. Rectus femoris also focuses on hip flexion and knee extension, which are not directly complementary to the actions of the gluteals. Thus, the hamstrings and piriformis