Muscles Of The Gluteal Region

Question 1

The muscles of the gluteal region can be broadly divided into two groups:

Answer 1

• Superficial abductors and extenders
• Deep lateral rotators

Question 2

Superficial abductors and extenders

Answer 2

Gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and tensor fascia lata.

Question 3

Deep lateral rotators

Answer 3

Quadratus femoris, piriformis, gemellus superior, gemellus inferior and obturator internus.

Question 4

Arterial supply to muscles of the gluteal region.

Answer 4

Mostly via the superior and inferior gluteal arteries - branches of the internal iliac artery.

Question 5

Gluteus Maximus Attachments

Answer 5

Originates from the gluteal (posterior) surface of the ilium, sacrum and coccyx. It slopes across the buttock at a 45 degree angle, then inserts into the iliotibial tract and the gluteal tuberosity of the femur.

Question 6

Gluteus Maximus Actions

Answer 6

It is the main extensor of the thigh, and assists with lateral rotation. However, it is only used when force is required, such as running or climbing.

Question 7

Gluteus Maximus Innervation

Answer 7

Inferior gluteal nerve.

Question 8

Gluteus Medius Attachments

Answer 8

Originates from the gluteal surface of the ilium and inserts into the lateral surface of the greater trochanter.

Question 9

Gluteus Medius Actions

Answer 9

Abducts and medially rotates the lower limb. During locomotion, it secures the pelvis, preventing pelvic drop of the opposite limb.

Question 10

Gluteus Medius Innervation

Answer 10

Superior gluteal nerve.

Question 11

Gluteus Minimus Attachments

Answer 11

Originates from the ilium and converges to form a tendon, inserting to the anterior side of the greater trochanter.

Question 12

Gluteus Minimus Actions

Answer 12

Abducts and medially rotates the lower limb. During locomotion, it secures the pelvis, preventing pelvic drop of the opposite limb.

Question 13

Gluteus Minimus Innervation

Answer 13

Superior gluteal nerve.

Question 14

Tensor Fascia Lata Attachments

Answer 14

Originates from the anterior iliac crest, attaching to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). It inserts into the iliotibial tract, which itself attaches to the lateral condyle of the tibia.

Question 15

Tensor Fascia Lata Actions

Answer 15

Assists the gluteus medius and minimus in abduction and medial rotation of the lower limb. It also plays a supportive role in the gait cycle.

Question 16

Tensor Fascia Lata Innervation

Answer 16

Superior gluteal nerve.

Question 17

Piriformis Attachments

Answer 17

Originates from the anterior surface of the sacrum. It then travels infero-laterally, through the greater sciatic foramen, to insert into the greater trochanter of the femur.

Question 18

Piriformis Actions

Answer 18

Lateral rotation and abduction.

Question 19

Piriformis Innervation

Answer 19

Nerve to piriformis.

Question 20

What is the triceps coxae?

Answer 20

In some texts, the obturator internus and the gemelli muscles are considered as one muscle – the triceps coxae.

Question 21

Obturator Internus Attachments

Answer 21

Originates from the pubis and ischium at the obturator foramen. It travels through the lesser sciatic foramen, and attaches to the greater trochanter of the femur.

Question 22

Obturator Internus Actions

Answer 22

Lateral rotation and abduction.

Question 23

Obturator Internus Innervation

Answer 23

Nerve to obturator internus.

Question 24

The Gemelli – Superior and Inferior

Answer 24

The gemelli are two narrow and triangular muscles. They are separated by the obturator internus tendon.

Question 25

The Gemelli Attachments

Answer 25

The superior gemellus muscle originates from the ischial spine, the inferior from the ischial tuberosity. They both attach to the greater trochanter of the femur.

Question 26

The Gemelli Actions

Answer 26

Lateral rotation and abduction.

Question 27

The Gemelli Innervation

Answer 27

The superior gemellus muscle is innervated by the nerve to obturator internus, the inferior gemellus is innervated by the nerve to quadratus femoris.

Question 28

Quadratus Femoris Attachments

Answer 28

It originates from the lateral side of the ischial tuberosity, and attaches to the quadrate tuberosity on the intertrochanteric crest.

Question 29

Quadratus Femoris Actions

Answer 29

Lateral rotation.

Question 30

Quadratus Femoris Innervation

Answer 30

Nerve to quadratus femoris.