Gluteus Medius

Question 1

From where does the gluteus medius originate and insert?

Answer 1

The gluteus medius originates on the outer surface of the ilium between between the iliac crest and the posterior gluteal line above and the anterior gluteal line below; the gluteus medius also originates from the gluteal aponeurosis that covers its outer surface. The gluteus medius converges into a strong flattened tendon that inserts on the lateral surface of the greater trochanter.

Question 2

What movements does the gluteus medius contribute to?

Answer 2

When the anterior and posterior parts of the muscle work together, they contribute to hip abduction and to resisting hip adduction by stabilizing the pelvis in the coronal plane. The anterior part can contribute to hip flexion and internal rotation; the posterior part can contribute hip extension and external rotation.

Question 3

Which nerve innervates the gluteus medius?

Answer 3

The gluteus medius is innervated by the superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1).