What muscles are primarily responsible for hip extension?

The primary muscles responsible for hip extension are indeed the gluteus maximus and the hamstrings. The gluteus maximus is the largest extensor of the hip, playing a vital role during activities such as standing up from a sitting position, climbing stairs, and running. The hamstrings, which include the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus, also contribute to hip extension, especially when the knee is flexed.

In this context, you can see that the glutes and hamstrings work together to extend the hip, making them the right choice for this question about the muscles involved in this movement. Understanding the roles of these muscle groups is important for recognizing their function in various activities and in rehabilitation settings.