Muscles of the Gluteal region

Question 1

Which muscles make up the Superficial muscles of the gluteal region, and what are their main functions?

Answer 1

The three glutei and the tensor fascia lata.

They mainly act to abduct and extend the lower limb at the hip joint.

Question 2

Where is the origin of Gluteus Maximus?

Answer 2

Originates from the gluteal (posterior) surface of the ilium, sacrum and coccyx.

Question 3

Where does the Gluteus Maximus insert?

Answer 3

Into the iliotibial tract and the gluteal tuberosity of the femur.

Question 4

What is the actions of Gluteus Maximus?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

What innervates the Gluteus maximus?

Answer 5

Inferior gluteal nerve.

Question 6

Where is the origin of Gluteus Medius?

Answer 6

Originates from the gluteal surface of the ilium

Question 7

Where does Gluteus Medius insert?

Answer 7

Inserts into the lateral surface of the greater trochanter.

Question 8

What is the action of Gluteus Medius?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What innervates Gluteus Medius?

Answer 9

Superior Gluteal nerve.

Question 10

Where is the origin of Gluteus Minimus?

Answer 10

Originates from the ilium

Question 11

Where does Gluteal Minimus insert?

Answer 11

Converges to form a tendon, which inserts to the anterior side of the greater trochanter.

Question 12

What is the action of Gluteus Minimus?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

What nerve innervates Gluteus Minimus?

Answer 13

Superior gluteal nerve.

Question 14

Where does Tensor Fascia Lata originate from?

Answer 14

Originates from the anterior iliac crest, attaching to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS).

Question 15

Where does Tensor Fascia Lata insert?

Answer 15

It inserts into the iliotibial tract, which itself attaches to the lateral condyle of the tibia.

Question 16

What is the action of Tensor Fascia Lata?

Answer 16

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 17

What innervates Tensor Fascia Lata?

Answer 17

Superior Gluteal nerve.

Question 18

What can damage of the superior gluteal nerve lead to?

And why?

Answer 18

Trendelenburg’s sign.
(Pelvic drop).
Because the superior gluteal nerve innervates the Gluteus medius and minimus, both of which have important roles in stabilisation of the pelvis during locomotion. And In the standing position, the gluteus minimus and medius contract when the contralateral leg is raised, preventing the pelvis from dropping on that side.

Question 19

What muscles make up the deep gluteal muscles? and what is their main action?

Answer 19

Piriformis, Obturator internus, the Gemelli (Superior and inferior) and Quadratus femoris.
The general action of these muscles is to laterally rotate the lower limb. They also stabilise the hip joint by ‘pulling’ the femoral head into the acetabulum of the pelvis.

Question 20

Where is the origin of Piriformis?

Answer 20

Originates from the anterior surface of the sacrum.

Question 21

Where does Piriformis insert?

Answer 21

Travels infero-laterally through the greater sciatic foramen, and inserts onto the greater trochanter of the femur.

Question 22

What are the actions of Piriformis?

Answer 22

Lateral rotation and Abduction.

Question 23

What innervates Piriformis?

Answer 23

Nerve to Piriformis.

Question 24

Where is the origin of Obturator Internus?

Answer 24

Pubis and ischium at the obturator foramen.

Question 25

Where does Obturator Internus insert?

Answer 25

Travels through the lesser sciatic foramen, and inserts onto the greater trochanter of the femur.

Question 26

What is the action of Obturator Internus?

Answer 26

lateral rotation and abduction.

Question 27

What innervates Obturator internus?

Answer 27

Nerve to obturator internus.

Question 28

What are the Gemelli muscles.

Answer 28

The Gemelli –
There’s a Superior and Inferior.
The gemelli are two narrow and triangular muscles.
They are separated by the obturator internus tendon.

Question 29

Where is the origin of the superior gemellus muscle?

Answer 29

Ischial spine

Question 30

Where is the origin of the inferior gemellus muscle?

Answer 30

Ischial tuberosity.

Question 31

Where do the Gemelli muscles insert?

Answer 31

Attach to the greater trochanter of the femur.

Question 32

What is the actions of the Gemelli muscles?

Answer 32

Lateral rotation and abduction.

Question 33

What innervates the superior gemellus muscle?

Answer 33

Nerve to obturator internus

Question 34

What innervates the inferior gemellus muscle?

Answer 34

Nerve to quadratus femoris.

Question 35

Where is the origin of Quadratus Femoris?

Answer 35

Lateral side of the ischial tuberosity.

Question 36

Where does Quadratus femoris insert?

Answer 36

Quadrate tuberosity on the intertrochanteric crest.

Question 37

What is the action of Quadratus femoris?

Answer 37

Lateral rotation.

Question 38

What innervates Quadratus femoris?

Answer 38

Nerve to quadratus femoris.