Which muscle flexes the hip and extends the knee joint?

The rectus femoris is the correct choice because it is one of the four quadriceps muscles and is uniquely responsible for both flexing the hip and extending the knee joint. This dual functionality is particularly important in various activities, such as running and jumping, where both movements are utilized.

The rectus femoris originates at the anterior inferior iliac spine of the pelvis and extends to the patella, allowing it to effectively execute its role in hip flexion while simultaneously contributing to knee extension. This muscle plays a significant part in maintaining proper movement patterns and stability during physical activities.

Other muscle options provided do not fulfill the criteria of flexing the hip and extending the knee. For instance, the obliques are primarily involved in trunk rotation and lateral flexion, while the hamstrings are responsible for knee flexion and hip extension. The latissimus dorsi mainly functions in upper body movements, such as shoulder extension and adduction, rather than actions at the hip and knee joints. Therefore, the rectus femoris stands out as the muscle that effectively performs both identified actions.