Muscles of the Gluteal Region

Question 1

Superior gemellus

Answer 1

(L5-S2)

attachments- external surface spine of ischium via obturator internus tendon to greater trochanter

actions- laterally rotates hip

innervation- sacral plexus

Question 2

Inferior gemellus

Answer 2

(L4-S1)

attachments- proximal ischial tuberosity via obturator internus tendon to greater trochanter

actions- laterally rotates hip

innervation- sacral plexus

Question 3

Gluteus maximus

Answer 3

(L5-S2)

attachments- from the aponeurosis of the erector spinae, sacrum, sacrotuberous ligament & posterior gluteal line (innominate) to the greater trochanter, gluteal tuberosity of the femur & the iliotibial tract

actions- extends & laterally rotates hip

innervation- inferior gluteal nerve

Question 4

Gluteus medius

Answer 4

(L4-S1)

attachments- from the external iliac surface to the oblique ridge on the lateral aspect of the greater trochanter; gluteal aponeurosis

actions- abducts & medially rotates hip; and keeps the pelvis level when opposite leg is raised

innervation- superior gluteal nerve

Question 5

Gluteus minimis

Answer 5

(L4-S1)

attachments- from the external iliac surface and margin of the greater sciatic notch to the anterolateral aspect of the greater trochanter

actions- abducts & medially rotates hip; and keeps the pelvis level when opposite leg is raised

innervation- superior gluteal nerve

Question 6

Obturator internus

Answer 6

(L5-S2)

attachments- from the anterolateral wall of the pelvis & obturator membrane to the medial surface of the greater trochanter

actions- laterally rotates hip

innervation- nerve to the obturator internus (from sacral plexus)

Question 7

Piriformis

Answer 7

(S1-2)

attachments- from the anterolateral sacrum & posterior inferior iliac spine to the upper border of the greater trochanter

actions- abducts & laterally rotates hip

innervation- nerve to piriformis

Question 8

Quadratus femoris

Answer 8

(L4-S1)

attachments- from the ischial tuberosity to the quadrate tubercle of the femur

actions- laterally rotates hip

innervation- nerve to the quadratus femoris (from sacral plexus)