Muscles of the gluteal region

Question 1

Name the superficial muscles of the gluteal region and the movements they produce

Answer 1

Abduction and extension of the femur/thigh

Gluteus maximus

Gluteus medius

Gluteus minimus

Tensor fascia latae

Question 2

Name the deep muscles of the gluteal region and the movement they perform

Answer 2

Laterally rotate the femur/thigh

Quadratus femoris

Piriformis

Superior gemellus

Inferior gemellus

Obturator internus

Question 3

Gluteus maximus: attachments, actions and innervations

Answer 3

Originates from gluteal surface of ilium, sacrum and coccyx. Inserts into iliotibial tract and gluteal tuberosity of femur

Main extensor of thigh

Inferior gluteal nerve

Question 4

Gluteus medius: attachments, actions and innervations

Answer 4

Originates from gluteal surface of ilium, inserts into lateral surface of greater trochanter

Abducts and medially rotates lower limb

Superior gluteal nerve

Question 5

Gluteus minimus: attachments, actions and innervations

Answer 5

Originates from ilium and converges to form a tendon inserting into anterior side of greater trochanter

Abducts and medially rotates lower limb

Superior gluteal nerve

Question 6

Tensor fascia latae: attachments, actions and innervations

Answer 6

Originates from anterior superior iliac spine and then inserts into iliotibial tract

Abduction and medial rotation of lower limb

Superior gluteal nerve

Question 7

Piriformis: attachments, actions and innervations

Answer 7

Originates from anterior surface of sacrum and inserts into greater trochanter

Lateral rotation and abduction of lower limb

Nerve to piriformis

Question 8

Obturator internus: attachments, actions and innervations

Answer 8

Originates from obturator foramen and attaches to greater trochanter

Lateraly rotation and abduction of lower limb

Nerve to obturator internus

Question 9

Superior and inferior gemelli: attachments, actions and innervations

Answer 9

Superior from ischial spine and inferior from ischial tuberosity. Both attach to greater trochanter.

Lateral rotation and abduction of lower limb

Superior by nerve to obturator internus, inferior by nerve to quadratus femoris

Question 10

Quadratus femoris: attachments, actions and innervations

Answer 10

Originates from lateral side of ischial tuberosity, attaches to quadrate tuberosity on intertrochanteric crest

Lateral rotation of lower limb

Nerve to quadratus femoris