Gluteal superficial muscles

Question 1

What are the attachments, actions and innervation of the gluteus maximus ?

Answer 1

• Largest gluteal muscle and most superficial - shapes buttocks.
• Origin - gluteal ( posterior ) surface of the illium, sacrum and coccyx.
• Insertion - ITT and gluteal tuberosity of the femur.
• Actions - Powerful extensor ( only utilised in intense activity such as running not normal walking etc ) and assists with lateral rotation.
• Innervation - inferior gluteal nerve

Question 2

What are the attachments, actions and innervation of the gluteus medius ?

Answer 2

• Lies between gluteus maximus and gluteus minimus.
• Origin - gluteal surface of the ilium
• Insertion - lateral greater trochanter
• Actions- abduction / medial rotator
• Innervation - superior gluteal nerve

Question 3

What are the attachments, actions and innervation of the gluteus minimus ?

Answer 3

• Deepest and smallest gluteal muscle
• Similar shape and function to gluteal medius
• Origin - ilium.
• insertion - Converges to form a tendon inserting at anterior surface of the greater trochanter.
• Actions - Abduction / medial rotation
• During locomotion secures the pelvic, preventing pelvic drop of the opposite limb.
• innervation - Superior gluteal nerve.

Question 4

What are the attachments, actions and innervation of the tensor fascia Lata ?

Answer 4

• Role is to tighten the fascia lata.
• Origin - ASIS
• Insertion - ITT
• Actions - Aids the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus.
• Innervation - Superior gluteal nerve.