Gluteal Muscles

Question 1

What is the most superficial gluteal muscle?

Answer 1

Gluteus Maximus

Question 2

What is the nerve innervation of gluteus maximus?

Answer 2

Inferior gluteal nerve (L5-S2)

Question 3

Where does gluteus Maximus insert into?

Answer 3

The iliotibial tract is where most fibres insert. Other fibres insert directly onto the gluteal tuberosity.

Question 4

Name two movements of the hip which gluteus Maximus facilitates.

Answer 4

Lateral rotation and extension.

Question 5

Where does gluteus Maximus originate from?

Answer 5

Posterior to the posterior gluteal line in the ilium, and to the dorsal surface of the sacrum and coccyx.

Question 6

What two muscles are responsible for stabilising pelvis in walking?

Answer 6

Gluteus medius and minimus.

Question 7

Where do gluteus minimus and medius both originate from?

Answer 7

The external surface of the ilium, between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines.

Question 8

Where does gluteus medius attach?

Answer 8

Lateral surface of greater trochanter

Question 9

Where does gluteus minimus attach?

Answer 9

Anterior surface of greater trochanter.

Question 10

What nerve innervates gluteus medius and minimus?

Answer 10

Superior gluteal nerve (L5,S1)

Question 11

Where does tensor fascia latae originate?

Answer 11

The anterior, superior iliac spine and the anterior iliac crest.

Question 12

What movements can tensor fascia latae assist with?

Answer 12

Abduction and medial rotation of the thigh.

Question 13

Name the deep gluteal muscles

Answer 13

Piriformis, obturator internus, superior and inferior gemelli and Quadratus femoris

Question 14

What is the innervation, origin and insertion of piriformis?

Answer 14

It is innervated by the anterior rami of S1,S2. It originates from the anterior surface of the sacrum and attaches to the superior border of the greater trochanter.

Question 15

What muscles in the gluteal region are innervated by the nerve to obturator internus and the nerve to Quadratus femoris

Answer 15

Nerve to obturator internus: obturator internus and superior gemelli.
Nerve to Quadratus femoris: Quadratus femoris and inferior gemelli.

Question 16

What gluteal muscles attach onto the medial surface of the greater trochanter?

Answer 16

Superior and inferior gemelli and obturator internus.

Question 17

State the origins and insertions of Quadratus femoris.

Answer 17

Ischial tuberosity and the quadrate tubercle on the intertrochanteric crest.

Question 18

What is the function of the deep gluteal muscles?

Answer 18

Lateral rotation at the hip. Also abduction of the flexed thigh (except Quadratus femoris)

Question 19

Describe the path of the sciatic nerve to the popliteal fossa

Answer 19

The sciatic nerve emerges inferior to piriformis and then runs deep to the long head of biceps femoris before reaching the popliteal fossa where is branches into the tibial and the common peroneal nerve.

Question 20

Where do we carry out IM injections in the gluteus?

Answer 20

The dorsogluteal site is common, as it is the upper quadrant of the upper quadrant of the gluteal, however the ventrodorsal site is safer and less predisposed to nerve injuries.

Question 21

What is the role of the iliotibial band at the knee?

Answer 21

It stabilises the knee when it is either extended or in partial flexion.