Which statement correctly identifies origin and insertion of the psoas minor?

Which statement correctly identifies origin and insertion of the psoas minor?

• A. Origin T12-L1; Insertion Pectineal line
• B. Origin L2-L3; Insertion Pectineal line
• C. Origin T12-L1; Insertion Iliac crest
• D. Origin T11-T12; Insertion Pubic crest

Answer: (A)

The key idea is matching where a muscle starts with where it ends, which helps define its location and potential action. The psoas minor, when present, originates from the sides of the T12 and L1 vertebral bodies (and the intervening disc) and inserts on the pectineal line of the pubis (near the iliopectineal region). This placement explains why the correct description uses a T12–L1 origin and a pectineal line insertion. The other options place the origin at different lumbar levels or insertions at the iliac crest or pubic crest, which do not correspond to the actual attachments of the psoas minor.

The key idea is matching where a muscle starts with where it ends, which helps define its location and potential action. The psoas minor, when present, originates from the sides of the T12 and L1 vertebral bodies (and the intervening disc) and inserts on the pectineal line of the pubis (near the iliopectineal region). This placement explains why the correct description uses a T12–L1 origin and a pectineal line insertion. The other options place the origin at different lumbar levels or insertions at the iliac crest or pubic crest, which do not correspond to the actual attachments of the psoas minor.