Muscles of the Gluteal Region

Question 1

Anatomical location

Answer 1

Posteriorly to the pelvic girdle at the proximal end of the femur

Question 2

Superficial muscles

Answer 2

Gluteus maximus
Gluteus medius
Gluteus minimus
Tensor fascia lata

Question 3

Deep muscles

Answer 3

Quadratus femoris 
Pirifomis 
Gemellus superior 
Gemellus inferior 
Obturator internus

Question 4

Gluteus maximus

Answer 4

• Origin - gluteal surface of ilium, sacrum and coccyx
• Insertion - iliotibial tract and greater trochanter of femur
• Actions - main extensor of thigh, assists with lateral rotation (only when force is required i.e. running or climbing)
• Innervation - inferior gluteal nerve

Question 5

Gluteus medius

Answer 5

• Origin - gluteal surface of ilium
• Insertion - lateral surface of the greater trochanter
• Actions - abducts and medially rotates the lower limb, secures the pelvis during locomotion, preventing pelvic drop of opposite limb
• Innervation - superior gluteal nerve

Question 6

Gluteus minimus

Answer 6

• Origin - ilium
• Insertion - anterior side of greater trochanter
• Action - abducts and medially rotates lower limb, secures the pelvis during locomotion preventing pelvic drop of opposite limb
• Innervation - superior gluteal nerve

Question 7

Tensor fascia lata

Answer 7

• Origin - anterior iliac crest
• Attachment - anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)
• Insertion - iliotibial tract which attaches to the lateral condyle of the tibia
• Actions - abduction and medial rotation of lower limb, plays a supportive role in gait cycle
• Innervation - superior gluteal nerve

Question 8

Trendelenburg sign

Answer 8

Sign of superior gluteal nerve damage

When patient is asked to stand on one leg, pelvic drop will occur on the unsupported leg if damage has occurred

Question 9

Piriformis

Answer 9

• Origin - anterior surface of the sacrum
• Insertion - greater trochanter of the femur
• Actions - lateral rotation and abduction
• Innervation - nerve to piriformis

Question 10

Obturator internus

Answer 10

• Origin - pubis and ischium at the obturator foramen
• Attachment - greater trochanter of the femur
• Actions - lateral rotation and abduction
• Innervation - nerve to obturator internus

Question 11

Gemellus superior

Answer 11

• Origin - ischial spine
• Attachment - greater trochanter of femur
• Actions - lateral rotation and abduction
• Innervation - nerve to obturator internus

Question 12

Gemellus inferior

Answer 12

• Origin - ischial tuberosity
• Attachment - greater trochanter of femur
• Actions - lateral rotation and abduction
• Innervation - nerve to quadratus femoris

Question 13

Quadratus femoris

Answer 13

• Origin - lateral side of ischial tuberosity
• Attachment - quadrate tuberosity on intertrochanteric crest
• Actions - lateral rotation
• Innervation - nerve to quadratus femoris

Question 14

Landmark of gluteal region

Answer 14

Piriformis is an important anatomical landmark in the gluteal
As it travels through greater sciatic foramen, divides the gluteal region into an inferior and superior part
Division determines the name of the vessels and nerves that supply the area
Superior gluteal nerve and vessels emerge into the gluteal region superior to piriformis (+ vice versa)
Can be used to located sciatic nerve as this enters directly inferior to the piriformis and is visible as a flat band approximately 2cm wide