Which muscle is responsible for hip extension?

The gluteus maximus is primarily responsible for hip extension. This muscle is the largest and most powerful extensor of the hip joint and plays a crucial role in various activities like walking, running, and climbing. When the gluteus maximus contracts, it pulls the femur backward, extending the hip.

The other muscles listed do not perform this specific action. The adductors are primarily responsible for hip adduction, bringing the thigh closer to the midline of the body. The quadriceps are mainly involved in knee extension rather than hip movement, although they can aid in hip flexion when the knee is bent. The tibialis anterior plays a significant role in dorsiflexion of the ankle rather than actions at the hip joint. Therefore, the gluteus maximus is the key muscle for hip extension due to its anatomical position and function in movement.