Muscles Of Gluteal Region

Question 1

What is the gluteal region?

Answer 1

Located posteriorly to pelvic girdle, at proximal end of femur. Muscles in this region move lower limbs at the hip joint.

Question 3

Name the superficial abductors and extenders of the gluteal region

Answer 3

Gluteus maximus
Gluteus medius
Gluteus minimus
Tensor fascia lata

Question 4

Gluteus maximus

Answer 4

Main extensor of the thigh and assists with lateral rotation

Question 5

Gluteus medius

Answer 5

Abducts and medially rotates lower limb

Prevents pelvic drop of opposite limb, during locomotion

Question 6

Gluteus minimus

Answer 6

Abducts and medially rotates the power limb

Prevents pelvic drop of opposite limb, during locomotion

Question 7

Tensor fascia lata

Answer 7

Plays supportive role in gait cycle

Assists gluteus medius and minimus in abduction and medial rotation of lower limb

Question 8

Innervation of gluteus maximus

Answer 8

Inferior gluteal nerve

Question 9

Innervation of gluteus medius, minimus and tensor fascia lata

Answer 9

Superior gluteal nerve

Question 10

Clinical relevance - what results due to damage to the superior gluteal nerve

Answer 10

Gluteus medius, minimus and tensor fascia lata becomes paralysed and pelvis becomes unsteady. Positive Trendelenburg sign

Question 11

What is a positive Trendelenburg sign?

Answer 11

Pelvic drop occurs in the unsupported leg. Pelvic drop can be recognised by observing the level of iliac crests on both sides.

Question 12

What are the deep muscles of the gluteal region?

Answer 12

Piriformis 
Gemellus superior 
Obturator internus 
Gemellus inferior 
Quadratus femoris

Question 13

What is the general function of the deep muscles of the gluteal region?

Answer 13

Lateral rotation (all) 
Abduction of the hip (EXCEPT Quadratus femoris)

Question 14

Innervation of piriformis

Answer 14

Nerve to piriformis

Question 15

Innervation of obturator internus

Answer 15

Nerve to obturator internus

Question 16

Innervation of the gemelli

Answer 16

Superior - nerve to obturator internus

Inferior - nerve to quadratus femoris

Question 17

Innervation of quadratus femoris

Answer 17

Nerve to quadratus femoris

Question 18

Clinical relevance: landmark or the gluteal region is?

Answer 18

Piriformis - travels through the greater sciatic foramen and divides the gluteal region into an inferior and superior part.
This muscle can be used to locate sciatic nerve; enters gluteal region directly inferior to the piriformis.

Question 19

Name the deep lateral rotators of the gluteal region

Answer 19

Quadratus femoris
Gemellus superior
Gemellus inferior
Obturator internus