9.4 Musculature of the Gluteal Region

Question 1

Describe the tissues (not muscles) deep to the skin in the gluteal region. Why should we care?

Answer 1

• Adipose tissue
• Deep fascia

Important because: on the lateral aspect of the leg, the deep fascia becomes the iliotibial tract.

Question 2

Inferiorly, where does the iliotibial tract attach?

Answer 2

Laterally: Tibia
Posteriorly: Linea aspira of femur

Question 3

List four superficial gluteal muscles. Describe their function.

Answer 3

1. Tensor fascia latae: tenses iliotibial tract, abducts hip
2. Glute maximus: extends the hip
3. Glute medius: Abducts and medially rotates
4. Glute minimus: Abducts and medially rotates

(Think about the origins and insertions that allow this to occur)

Question 4

Origin, insertion, and action of tensor fascia latae

Answer 4

Origin: Iliac crest
Insertion: Iliotibial tract

Action: tenses fascia latae (enhancing other muscles) and abducts leg

Question 5

Origin, insertion, and action of glute maximus

Answer 5

Origin: Posterior iliac crest/posterior sacrum

Insertion: gluteal tuberosity and iliotibial tract

Action: Hip extension

Question 6

Origin, insertion, and action of glute medius/minimus

Answer 6

Origin: Superior gluteal surface of ilium (medius) and inferior gluteal surface of ilium (minimus)

Insertion: greater trochanter of femur

Action: hip abduction (can rotate depending on angle of fibres)

Question 7

Which pelvic foramen does the piriformis pass through?

Answer 7

Greater sciatic foramen

Question 8

Origin, insertion, and action of quadratis femoris

Answer 8

Origin: lateral ischial tuberosity

Insertion: intertrochanteric crest

Action: External rotation