Anatomy of the Gluteal Region Flashcards
What are the boundaries of the gluteal region?
The gluteal region is bounded superiorly by the iliac crest, inferiorly by the gluteal fold, medially by the sacrum, and laterally by the greater trochanter.
What are the main superficial muscles of the gluteal region?
The superficial muscles include the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae.
What are the main deep muscles of the gluteal region?
The deep muscles include the piriformis, superior and inferior gemellus, obturator internus, and quadratus femoris.
What is the origin, insertion, and function of the gluteus maximus muscle?
The gluteus maximus originates from the ilium, sacrum, and sacrotuberous ligament; inserts into the iliotibial tract and gluteal tuberosity; and functions in hip extension and lateral rotation.
What is the function of the gluteus medius muscle, and where does it insert?
The gluteus medius abducts and medially rotates the thigh, inserting at the greater trochanter of the femur.
What is the primary role of the gluteus minimus muscle in movement?
The gluteus minimus assists in abduction and medial rotation of the thigh.
Which nerve supplies the gluteus maximus muscle?
The gluteus maximus is innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve.
Which nerve innervates the gluteus medius and minimus muscles?
The gluteus medius and minimus are innervated by the superior gluteal nerve.
What is the function of the piriformis muscle, and where does it originate?
The piriformis originates from the anterior sacrum and functions in lateral rotation and abduction of the thigh.
What is the significance of the piriformis muscle in relation to the sciatic nerve?
The sciatic nerve usually passes inferior to the piriformis but may occasionally pass through it, potentially causing compression.
What is the role of the superior and inferior gemellus muscles in hip movement?
The superior and inferior gemellus muscles assist in lateral rotation and stabilization of the hip.
What is the anatomical course of the sciatic nerve in the gluteal region?
The sciatic nerve emerges from the greater sciatic foramen, passing deep to the gluteus maximus before descending into the posterior thigh.
What is the function of the quadratus femoris muscle?
The quadratus femoris laterally rotates the thigh and stabilizes the femoral head in the acetabulum.
What is the main blood supply to the gluteal region?
The main blood supply comes from the superior and inferior gluteal arteries.
What are the major branches of the internal iliac artery that supply the gluteal region?
The superior and inferior gluteal arteries branch from the internal iliac artery.
How do the superior and inferior gluteal arteries contribute to the blood supply of the gluteal muscles?
The superior gluteal artery supplies the gluteus medius and minimus, while the inferior gluteal artery supplies the gluteus maximus.
What is the venous drainage of the gluteal region?
Venous drainage occurs via the superior and inferior gluteal veins, which drain into the internal iliac vein.
What are the major lymphatic drainage pathways of the gluteal region?
Lymph drains into the deep inguinal and internal iliac lymph nodes.
What is the Trendelenburg sign, and what does it indicate?
The Trendelenburg sign indicates superior gluteal nerve injury, causing pelvic drop on the opposite side.
What are the clinical consequences of injury to the superior gluteal nerve?
Injury to the superior gluteal nerve leads to weak hip abduction, causing a Trendelenburg gait.
What structures pass through the greater sciatic foramen?
The greater sciatic foramen transmits the sciatic nerve, superior and inferior gluteal nerves, and associated vessels.
What structures pass through the lesser sciatic foramen?
The lesser sciatic foramen transmits the pudendal nerve and internal pudendal vessels.
What is the function of the sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligaments in the gluteal region?
The sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligaments convert the greater and lesser sciatic notches into foramina.
What is the safe area for intramuscular injections in the gluteal region, and why?
The safe injection site is the upper outer quadrant to avoid injury to the sciatic nerve.
How can sciatic nerve injury occur in the gluteal region?
Sciatic nerve injury may result from intramuscular injections, trauma, or piriformis syndrome.
What are the symptoms of sciatic nerve compression or injury?
Sciatic nerve injury causes pain, weakness, and sensory loss in the posterior thigh and leg.
What is the anatomical basis of piriformis syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis compresses the sciatic nerve, causing pain and dysfunction.
What is the innervation and function of the tensor fasciae latae muscle?
The tensor fasciae latae is innervated by the superior gluteal nerve and assists in hip flexion, abduction, and medial rotation.
What is the role of the iliotibial tract in lower limb function?
The iliotibial tract stabilizes the knee and hip during movement.
How does the gluteal region contribute to stability during gait?
The gluteal muscles, especially the abductors, prevent excessive pelvic tilt during walking, ensuring smooth gait.
