Questions and Answers
What structure serves as the superior boundary of the gluteal region?
Which nerve is responsible for the innervation of the gluteus maximus muscle?
Which muscle lies deep to the gluteus medius?
What is one of the primary actions of the gluteus maximus?
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Where does the iliotibial tract originate?
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What is the primary action of the gluteus medius and minimus during walking?
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What nerve supplies both the gluteus medius and minimus, as well as the tensor fasciae latae?
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Which muscle originates from the anterior surface of the sacrum?
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What is the function of the tensor fasciae latae at the knee joint?
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What occurs when there is paralysis of the gluteus medius and minimus due to a Trendelenburg's sign?
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Which statement about the nerve supply of the Superior Gemellus is accurate?
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What is the primary action of the Obturator Internus?
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From where does the Quadratus Femoris originate?
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Which muscle assists in stabilizing the femoral head in the acetabulum?
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What anatomical feature allows the Obturator Internus to enter the gluteal region?
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What significant anatomical feature separates the gluteal region from the posterior thigh?
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Which of the following actions is NOT performed by the gluteus maximus muscle?
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What is the insertion point for the gluteus medius muscle?
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Which muscle primarily contributes to the prominence of the buttock?
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What part of the gluteus maximus has fibers that insert into the iliotibial tract?
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What is the nerve supply for the Superior Gemellus muscle?
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Which muscle originates from the pelvic surface of the obturator membrane?
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What is the primary action shared by the Piriformis, Obturator Internus, and both Gemelli muscles?
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Which structure does the Quadratus Femoris insert into?
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What is the origin of the Inferior Gemellus muscle?
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What is the primary action of the gluteus medius and minimus during locomotion?
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Which muscle's fibers pass inferiorly and posteriorly to insert into the iliotibial tract?
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What occurs at the pelvis when a patient with gluteus medius and minimus paralysis stands on the affected limb?
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Which of the following describes the insertion of the piriformis muscle?
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Which anatomical feature defines the relationship of vessels and nerves in the gluteal region?
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Which muscle is supplied by the nerve to the piriformis?
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What is the common action performed by the Obturator Internus and both Gemelli muscles?
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Where does the Superior Gemellus insert?
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Which nerve supplies the Inferior Gemellus muscle?
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What is the origin of the Quadratus Femoris muscle?
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What is the nerve supply for the Obturator Internus muscle?
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What anatomical feature allows the Obturator Internus to enter the gluteal region?
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Which muscle assists in steadying the femoral head in the acetabulum?
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Which structure does the Quadratus Femoris insert into?
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What is the primary role of the Piriformis muscle?
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Which nerve supplies the superior gemellus muscle?
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Where does the nerve to quadratus femoris leave the pelvis?
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Which artery accompanies the pudendal nerve as it moves to the perineum?
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What is the main function of the internal pudendal artery in the gluteal region?
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Which nerve branches off from the ventral rami of L5-S2 spinal nerves?
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Which veins drain the gluteal region into the internal iliac vein?
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What is the main role of the superior and inferior gluteal arteries?
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Which nerve supplies the quadratus femoris muscle?
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Which anatomical structure serves as the route for the pudendal nerve and internal pudendal vessels to enter the perineum?
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What branches off from the internal iliac artery to enter the gluteal region?
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Which nerve originates from the anterior divisions of ventral rami of L5-S2 spinal nerves and supplies the superior gemellus?
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What is the route taken by the nerve to quadratus femoris after it leaves the pelvis?
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Which artery accompanies the pudendal nerve as it moves into the perineum?
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Which arteries originate within the pelvis and enter the gluteal region through the greater sciatic foramen?
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What structures accompany the pudendal nerve as they leave the pelvis?
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Which nerve branches off from the anterior divisions of the ventral rami of L5-S2 spinal nerves?
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Which artery accompanies the pudendal nerve through the gluteal region?
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What structure does the nerve to Quadratus Femoris supply?
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Which of the following structures enter the gluteal region through the greater sciatic foramen?
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Which nerve is located lateral to the pudendal nerve as it leaves the pelvis?
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Which nerve primarily supplies the muscles of the gluteal region?
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Where does the internal pudendal artery originate?
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Which statement about the superior and inferior gluteal arteries is accurate?
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What characteristic do the superior and inferior gluteal veins share?
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Which nerve exits the pelvis inferior to the piriformis muscle?
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Which nerve is responsible for supplying the obturator internus muscle?
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What artery accompanies the pudendal nerve into the perineum?
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Where does the nerve to quadratus femoris exit the pelvis?
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Which of the following structures does the superior gluteal artery originate from?
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What is the primary role of the internal pudendal veins in the gluteal region?
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Which nerve travels laterally to the pudendal nerve while leaving the pelvis?
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What anatomical pathway does the internal pudendal artery follow in the gluteal region?
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Which nerve innervates the quadratus femoris muscle?
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Which of the following veins accompanies the same-named artery in the gluteal region?
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Which structure does the nerve to Quadratus Femoris pass deep to as it descends?
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What is the origin of the superior and inferior gluteal arteries?
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Which of the following muscles is directly supplied by the nerve to Obturator Internus?
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How does the internal pudendal artery travel in relation to the greater sciatic foramen?
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What is the primary route taken by vessels entering the gluteal region from the pelvis?
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What type of nerve fibers does the nerve to Quadratus Femoris contain?
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Study Notes
Boundaries of the Gluteal Region
- Superior boundary defined by the iliac crest.
- Inferior boundary marked by the gluteal fold, separating the gluteal region from the posterior thigh.
- Medial boundary extends along the natal cleft and cleft between the buttocks.
- Lateral boundary is defined by a line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the greater trochanter.
Muscles of the Gluteal Region
-
Gluteus Maximus
- Prominent muscle responsible for the shape of the buttock.
- Originates from the outer surface of the ilium, sacrum, coccyx, and sacrotuberous ligament.
- Inserts into the iliotibial tract and gluteal tuberosity of the femur.
- Innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve.
- Responsible for thigh extension, lateral rotation, and stabilization of the extended knee.
-
Gluteus Medius
- Fan-shaped muscle with the inferior part covered by gluteus maximus.
- Originates from the outer surface of the ilium between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines.
- Inserts into the lateral surface of the greater trochanter.
- Innervated by the superior gluteal nerve.
- Functions in thigh abduction and medial rotation; stabilizes the pelvis during walking.
-
Gluteus Minimus
- Also fan-shaped and located deep to gluteus medius.
- Originates from the outer surface of the ilium between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines.
- Inserts onto the anterior surface of the greater trochanter.
- Innervated by the superior gluteal nerve.
- Similar functions to gluteus medius regarding thigh movement and stabilizing the pelvis.
-
Tensor Fasciae Latae
- Enclosed by the fascia lata.
- Originates from the iliac crest between ASIS and the tubercle.
- Inserts into the iliotibial tract.
- Innervated by the superior gluteal nerve.
- Assists in thigh flexion, abduction, and medial rotation, while also stabilizing the extended knee.
-
Piriformis
- Serves as an important anatomical landmark.
- Originates from the anterior surface of the sacrum (S2-S4).
- Inserts at the upper border of the greater trochanter after exiting the pelvis via the greater sciatic foramen.
- Innervated by the nerve to piriformis.
- Functions include thigh lateral rotation and stabilization of the femoral head.
-
Obturator Internus
- Originates from the internal surface of the obturator membrane and obturator foramen margins.
- Passes through the lesser sciatic foramen to enter the gluteal region, joining with gemelli muscles to insert into greater trochanter.
- Innervated by the nerve to obturator internus.
- Acts in lateral rotation of the thigh and stabilization of the femoral head.
-
Superior Gemellus
- Originates from the posterior surface of the ischial spine.
- Inserts with the obturator internus tendon into the medial aspect of the greater trochanter.
- Innervated by the nerve to obturator internus.
- Contributes to lateral rotation of the thigh and stabilization of the femoral head.
-
Inferior Gemellus
- Originates from the upper part of the ischial tuberosity.
- Inserts with the obturator internus tendon into the medial aspect of the greater trochanter.
- Innervated by the nerve to quadratus femoris.
- Functions similarly to the superior gemellus in lateral rotation and stabilization.
-
Quadratus Femoris
- Originates from the upper part of the ischial tuberosity.
- Inserts into the quadrate tubercle on the intertrochanteric crest of the femur.
- Innervated by the nerve to quadratus femoris.
- Provides lateral rotation of the thigh and stabilization of the femoral head.
Structures Passing Through the Greater Sciatic Foramen
- Various vessels and nerves travel from the pelvic cavity to the gluteal region, relating to the superior and inferior borders of the piriformis muscle.
Boundaries of the Gluteal Region
- Superior boundary defined by the iliac crest.
- Inferior boundary marked by the gluteal fold, separating the gluteal region from the posterior thigh.
- Medial boundary extends along the natal cleft and cleft between the buttocks.
- Lateral boundary is defined by a line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the greater trochanter.
Muscles of the Gluteal Region
-
Gluteus Maximus
- Prominent muscle responsible for the shape of the buttock.
- Originates from the outer surface of the ilium, sacrum, coccyx, and sacrotuberous ligament.
- Inserts into the iliotibial tract and gluteal tuberosity of the femur.
- Innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve.
- Responsible for thigh extension, lateral rotation, and stabilization of the extended knee.
-
Gluteus Medius
- Fan-shaped muscle with the inferior part covered by gluteus maximus.
- Originates from the outer surface of the ilium between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines.
- Inserts into the lateral surface of the greater trochanter.
- Innervated by the superior gluteal nerve.
- Functions in thigh abduction and medial rotation; stabilizes the pelvis during walking.
-
Gluteus Minimus
- Also fan-shaped and located deep to gluteus medius.
- Originates from the outer surface of the ilium between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines.
- Inserts onto the anterior surface of the greater trochanter.
- Innervated by the superior gluteal nerve.
- Similar functions to gluteus medius regarding thigh movement and stabilizing the pelvis.
-
Tensor Fasciae Latae
- Enclosed by the fascia lata.
- Originates from the iliac crest between ASIS and the tubercle.
- Inserts into the iliotibial tract.
- Innervated by the superior gluteal nerve.
- Assists in thigh flexion, abduction, and medial rotation, while also stabilizing the extended knee.
-
Piriformis
- Serves as an important anatomical landmark.
- Originates from the anterior surface of the sacrum (S2-S4).
- Inserts at the upper border of the greater trochanter after exiting the pelvis via the greater sciatic foramen.
- Innervated by the nerve to piriformis.
- Functions include thigh lateral rotation and stabilization of the femoral head.
-
Obturator Internus
- Originates from the internal surface of the obturator membrane and obturator foramen margins.
- Passes through the lesser sciatic foramen to enter the gluteal region, joining with gemelli muscles to insert into greater trochanter.
- Innervated by the nerve to obturator internus.
- Acts in lateral rotation of the thigh and stabilization of the femoral head.
-
Superior Gemellus
- Originates from the posterior surface of the ischial spine.
- Inserts with the obturator internus tendon into the medial aspect of the greater trochanter.
- Innervated by the nerve to obturator internus.
- Contributes to lateral rotation of the thigh and stabilization of the femoral head.
-
Inferior Gemellus
- Originates from the upper part of the ischial tuberosity.
- Inserts with the obturator internus tendon into the medial aspect of the greater trochanter.
- Innervated by the nerve to quadratus femoris.
- Functions similarly to the superior gemellus in lateral rotation and stabilization.
-
Quadratus Femoris
- Originates from the upper part of the ischial tuberosity.
- Inserts into the quadrate tubercle on the intertrochanteric crest of the femur.
- Innervated by the nerve to quadratus femoris.
- Provides lateral rotation of the thigh and stabilization of the femoral head.
Structures Passing Through the Greater Sciatic Foramen
- Various vessels and nerves travel from the pelvic cavity to the gluteal region, relating to the superior and inferior borders of the piriformis muscle.
Boundaries of the Gluteal Region
- Superior boundary defined by the iliac crest.
- Inferior boundary marked by the gluteal fold, separating the gluteal region from the posterior thigh.
- Medial boundary extends along the natal cleft and cleft between the buttocks.
- Lateral boundary is defined by a line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to the greater trochanter.
Muscles of the Gluteal Region
-
Gluteus Maximus
- Prominent muscle responsible for the shape of the buttock.
- Originates from the outer surface of the ilium, sacrum, coccyx, and sacrotuberous ligament.
- Inserts into the iliotibial tract and gluteal tuberosity of the femur.
- Innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve.
- Responsible for thigh extension, lateral rotation, and stabilization of the extended knee.
-
Gluteus Medius
- Fan-shaped muscle with the inferior part covered by gluteus maximus.
- Originates from the outer surface of the ilium between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines.
- Inserts into the lateral surface of the greater trochanter.
- Innervated by the superior gluteal nerve.
- Functions in thigh abduction and medial rotation; stabilizes the pelvis during walking.
-
Gluteus Minimus
- Also fan-shaped and located deep to gluteus medius.
- Originates from the outer surface of the ilium between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines.
- Inserts onto the anterior surface of the greater trochanter.
- Innervated by the superior gluteal nerve.
- Similar functions to gluteus medius regarding thigh movement and stabilizing the pelvis.
-
Tensor Fasciae Latae
- Enclosed by the fascia lata.
- Originates from the iliac crest between ASIS and the tubercle.
- Inserts into the iliotibial tract.
- Innervated by the superior gluteal nerve.
- Assists in thigh flexion, abduction, and medial rotation, while also stabilizing the extended knee.
-
Piriformis
- Serves as an important anatomical landmark.
- Originates from the anterior surface of the sacrum (S2-S4).
- Inserts at the upper border of the greater trochanter after exiting the pelvis via the greater sciatic foramen.
- Innervated by the nerve to piriformis.
- Functions include thigh lateral rotation and stabilization of the femoral head.
-
Obturator Internus
- Originates from the internal surface of the obturator membrane and obturator foramen margins.
- Passes through the lesser sciatic foramen to enter the gluteal region, joining with gemelli muscles to insert into greater trochanter.
- Innervated by the nerve to obturator internus.
- Acts in lateral rotation of the thigh and stabilization of the femoral head.
-
Superior Gemellus
- Originates from the posterior surface of the ischial spine.
- Inserts with the obturator internus tendon into the medial aspect of the greater trochanter.
- Innervated by the nerve to obturator internus.
- Contributes to lateral rotation of the thigh and stabilization of the femoral head.
-
Inferior Gemellus
- Originates from the upper part of the ischial tuberosity.
- Inserts with the obturator internus tendon into the medial aspect of the greater trochanter.
- Innervated by the nerve to quadratus femoris.
- Functions similarly to the superior gemellus in lateral rotation and stabilization.
-
Quadratus Femoris
- Originates from the upper part of the ischial tuberosity.
- Inserts into the quadrate tubercle on the intertrochanteric crest of the femur.
- Innervated by the nerve to quadratus femoris.
- Provides lateral rotation of the thigh and stabilization of the femoral head.
Structures Passing Through the Greater Sciatic Foramen
- Various vessels and nerves travel from the pelvic cavity to the gluteal region, relating to the superior and inferior borders of the piriformis muscle.
Sacral Plexus
- Formed by the lumbosacral trunk (L5 and part of L4) and ventral rami of S1-S4 spinal nerves.
- Lies against the posterior pelvic wall, anterior to the piriformis muscle.
- Ventral rami divide into anterior and posterior branches, contributing fibers to sacral plexus.
Functions and Branches
- Supplies muscles and skin of gluteal region, posterior thigh, entire leg and foot, and perineum.
- Main branches include:
- Sciatic Nerve: Largest nerve, composed of common fibular and tibial nerves.
- Superior Gluteal Nerve: Innervates gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae.
- Inferior Gluteal Nerve: Supplies gluteus maximus.
- Nerve to Piriformis: Innervates piriformis muscle.
- Nerve to Quadratus Femoris: Supplies quadratus femoris and inferior gemellus.
- Nerve to Obturator Internus: Innervates obturator internus and superior gemellus.
- Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh: Provides sensation to posterior thigh.
- Pudendal Nerve: Supplies perineum.
- Pelvic Splanchnic Nerves: Carry preganglionic parasympathetic fibers.
Cutaneous Innervation
- Superior Clunial Nerves: Supply skin of superior gluteal region (L1-L3).
- Medial Clunial Nerves: Supply skin of medial gluteal region (S1-S3).
- Inferior Clunial Nerves: Supply skin of inferior gluteal region; branches of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh.
- Lateral Cutaneous Branch of Iliohypogastric Nerve: Supplies skin of superolateral gluteal region.
- Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh: Supplies skin of inferolateral gluteal region.
Nerves of the Gluteal Region
- Sciatic Nerve: Emerges through greater sciatic foramen; no branches in gluteal region; splits into tibial and common fibular nerves in the thigh.
- Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh: Leaves pelvis via greater sciatic foramen; supplies skin of lower back thigh and perineum; branches include inferior clunial nerves.
- Superior Gluteal Nerve: Emerges superior to piriformis; innervates gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae; includes articular branch to hip joint.
- Inferior Gluteal Nerve: Supplies gluteus maximus; leaves pelvis inferior to piriformis.
- Pudendal Nerve: Curves around ischial spine and enters perineum; supplies sensory and motor functions there.
- Nerve to Obturator Internus: Innervates obturator internus and superior gemellus; passes through lesser sciatic foramen.
- Nerve to Quadratus Femoris: Supplies quadratus femoris and inferior gemellus.
Vessels of the Gluteal Region
- Superior and Inferior Gluteal Arteries: Branch from internal iliac artery; accompany respective nerves to supply gluteal region.
- Internal Pudendal Artery: Accompanies pudendal nerve; enters perineum; minimal branches in the gluteal region.
- Veins: Superior and inferior gluteal veins and internal pudendal veins drain into internal iliac vein.
Sacral Plexus
- Formed by the lumbosacral trunk (L5 and part of L4) and ventral rami of S1-S4 spinal nerves.
- Lies against the posterior pelvic wall, anterior to the piriformis muscle.
- Ventral rami divide into anterior and posterior branches, contributing fibers to sacral plexus.
Functions and Branches
- Supplies muscles and skin of gluteal region, posterior thigh, entire leg and foot, and perineum.
- Main branches include:
- Sciatic Nerve: Largest nerve, composed of common fibular and tibial nerves.
- Superior Gluteal Nerve: Innervates gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae.
- Inferior Gluteal Nerve: Supplies gluteus maximus.
- Nerve to Piriformis: Innervates piriformis muscle.
- Nerve to Quadratus Femoris: Supplies quadratus femoris and inferior gemellus.
- Nerve to Obturator Internus: Innervates obturator internus and superior gemellus.
- Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh: Provides sensation to posterior thigh.
- Pudendal Nerve: Supplies perineum.
- Pelvic Splanchnic Nerves: Carry preganglionic parasympathetic fibers.
Cutaneous Innervation
- Superior Clunial Nerves: Supply skin of superior gluteal region (L1-L3).
- Medial Clunial Nerves: Supply skin of medial gluteal region (S1-S3).
- Inferior Clunial Nerves: Supply skin of inferior gluteal region; branches of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh.
- Lateral Cutaneous Branch of Iliohypogastric Nerve: Supplies skin of superolateral gluteal region.
- Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh: Supplies skin of inferolateral gluteal region.
Nerves of the Gluteal Region
- Sciatic Nerve: Emerges through greater sciatic foramen; no branches in gluteal region; splits into tibial and common fibular nerves in the thigh.
- Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh: Leaves pelvis via greater sciatic foramen; supplies skin of lower back thigh and perineum; branches include inferior clunial nerves.
- Superior Gluteal Nerve: Emerges superior to piriformis; innervates gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae; includes articular branch to hip joint.
- Inferior Gluteal Nerve: Supplies gluteus maximus; leaves pelvis inferior to piriformis.
- Pudendal Nerve: Curves around ischial spine and enters perineum; supplies sensory and motor functions there.
- Nerve to Obturator Internus: Innervates obturator internus and superior gemellus; passes through lesser sciatic foramen.
- Nerve to Quadratus Femoris: Supplies quadratus femoris and inferior gemellus.
Vessels of the Gluteal Region
- Superior and Inferior Gluteal Arteries: Branch from internal iliac artery; accompany respective nerves to supply gluteal region.
- Internal Pudendal Artery: Accompanies pudendal nerve; enters perineum; minimal branches in the gluteal region.
- Veins: Superior and inferior gluteal veins and internal pudendal veins drain into internal iliac vein.
Sacral Plexus
- Formed by the lumbosacral trunk (L5 and part of L4) and ventral rami of S1-S4 spinal nerves.
- Lies against the posterior pelvic wall, anterior to the piriformis muscle.
- Ventral rami divide into anterior and posterior branches, contributing fibers to sacral plexus.
Functions and Branches
- Supplies muscles and skin of gluteal region, posterior thigh, entire leg and foot, and perineum.
- Main branches include:
- Sciatic Nerve: Largest nerve, composed of common fibular and tibial nerves.
- Superior Gluteal Nerve: Innervates gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae.
- Inferior Gluteal Nerve: Supplies gluteus maximus.
- Nerve to Piriformis: Innervates piriformis muscle.
- Nerve to Quadratus Femoris: Supplies quadratus femoris and inferior gemellus.
- Nerve to Obturator Internus: Innervates obturator internus and superior gemellus.
- Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh: Provides sensation to posterior thigh.
- Pudendal Nerve: Supplies perineum.
- Pelvic Splanchnic Nerves: Carry preganglionic parasympathetic fibers.
Cutaneous Innervation
- Superior Clunial Nerves: Supply skin of superior gluteal region (L1-L3).
- Medial Clunial Nerves: Supply skin of medial gluteal region (S1-S3).
- Inferior Clunial Nerves: Supply skin of inferior gluteal region; branches of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh.
- Lateral Cutaneous Branch of Iliohypogastric Nerve: Supplies skin of superolateral gluteal region.
- Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh: Supplies skin of inferolateral gluteal region.
Nerves of the Gluteal Region
- Sciatic Nerve: Emerges through greater sciatic foramen; no branches in gluteal region; splits into tibial and common fibular nerves in the thigh.
- Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh: Leaves pelvis via greater sciatic foramen; supplies skin of lower back thigh and perineum; branches include inferior clunial nerves.
- Superior Gluteal Nerve: Emerges superior to piriformis; innervates gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae; includes articular branch to hip joint.
- Inferior Gluteal Nerve: Supplies gluteus maximus; leaves pelvis inferior to piriformis.
- Pudendal Nerve: Curves around ischial spine and enters perineum; supplies sensory and motor functions there.
- Nerve to Obturator Internus: Innervates obturator internus and superior gemellus; passes through lesser sciatic foramen.
- Nerve to Quadratus Femoris: Supplies quadratus femoris and inferior gemellus.
Vessels of the Gluteal Region
- Superior and Inferior Gluteal Arteries: Branch from internal iliac artery; accompany respective nerves to supply gluteal region.
- Internal Pudendal Artery: Accompanies pudendal nerve; enters perineum; minimal branches in the gluteal region.
- Veins: Superior and inferior gluteal veins and internal pudendal veins drain into internal iliac vein.
Sacral Plexus
- Formed by the lumbosacral trunk (L5 and part of L4) and ventral rami of S1-S4 spinal nerves.
- Lies against the posterior pelvic wall, anterior to the piriformis muscle.
- Ventral rami divide into anterior and posterior branches, contributing fibers to sacral plexus.
Functions and Branches
- Supplies muscles and skin of gluteal region, posterior thigh, entire leg and foot, and perineum.
- Main branches include:
- Sciatic Nerve: Largest nerve, composed of common fibular and tibial nerves.
- Superior Gluteal Nerve: Innervates gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae.
- Inferior Gluteal Nerve: Supplies gluteus maximus.
- Nerve to Piriformis: Innervates piriformis muscle.
- Nerve to Quadratus Femoris: Supplies quadratus femoris and inferior gemellus.
- Nerve to Obturator Internus: Innervates obturator internus and superior gemellus.
- Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh: Provides sensation to posterior thigh.
- Pudendal Nerve: Supplies perineum.
- Pelvic Splanchnic Nerves: Carry preganglionic parasympathetic fibers.
Cutaneous Innervation
- Superior Clunial Nerves: Supply skin of superior gluteal region (L1-L3).
- Medial Clunial Nerves: Supply skin of medial gluteal region (S1-S3).
- Inferior Clunial Nerves: Supply skin of inferior gluteal region; branches of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh.
- Lateral Cutaneous Branch of Iliohypogastric Nerve: Supplies skin of superolateral gluteal region.
- Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh: Supplies skin of inferolateral gluteal region.
Nerves of the Gluteal Region
- Sciatic Nerve: Emerges through greater sciatic foramen; no branches in gluteal region; splits into tibial and common fibular nerves in the thigh.
- Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh: Leaves pelvis via greater sciatic foramen; supplies skin of lower back thigh and perineum; branches include inferior clunial nerves.
- Superior Gluteal Nerve: Emerges superior to piriformis; innervates gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae; includes articular branch to hip joint.
- Inferior Gluteal Nerve: Supplies gluteus maximus; leaves pelvis inferior to piriformis.
- Pudendal Nerve: Curves around ischial spine and enters perineum; supplies sensory and motor functions there.
- Nerve to Obturator Internus: Innervates obturator internus and superior gemellus; passes through lesser sciatic foramen.
- Nerve to Quadratus Femoris: Supplies quadratus femoris and inferior gemellus.
Vessels of the Gluteal Region
- Superior and Inferior Gluteal Arteries: Branch from internal iliac artery; accompany respective nerves to supply gluteal region.
- Internal Pudendal Artery: Accompanies pudendal nerve; enters perineum; minimal branches in the gluteal region.
- Veins: Superior and inferior gluteal veins and internal pudendal veins drain into internal iliac vein.
Sacral Plexus
- Formed by the lumbosacral trunk (L5 and part of L4) and ventral rami of S1-S4 spinal nerves.
- Lies against the posterior pelvic wall, anterior to the piriformis muscle.
- Ventral rami divide into anterior and posterior branches, contributing fibers to sacral plexus.
Functions and Branches
- Supplies muscles and skin of gluteal region, posterior thigh, entire leg and foot, and perineum.
- Main branches include:
- Sciatic Nerve: Largest nerve, composed of common fibular and tibial nerves.
- Superior Gluteal Nerve: Innervates gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae.
- Inferior Gluteal Nerve: Supplies gluteus maximus.
- Nerve to Piriformis: Innervates piriformis muscle.
- Nerve to Quadratus Femoris: Supplies quadratus femoris and inferior gemellus.
- Nerve to Obturator Internus: Innervates obturator internus and superior gemellus.
- Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh: Provides sensation to posterior thigh.
- Pudendal Nerve: Supplies perineum.
- Pelvic Splanchnic Nerves: Carry preganglionic parasympathetic fibers.
Cutaneous Innervation
- Superior Clunial Nerves: Supply skin of superior gluteal region (L1-L3).
- Medial Clunial Nerves: Supply skin of medial gluteal region (S1-S3).
- Inferior Clunial Nerves: Supply skin of inferior gluteal region; branches of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh.
- Lateral Cutaneous Branch of Iliohypogastric Nerve: Supplies skin of superolateral gluteal region.
- Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh: Supplies skin of inferolateral gluteal region.
Nerves of the Gluteal Region
- Sciatic Nerve: Emerges through greater sciatic foramen; no branches in gluteal region; splits into tibial and common fibular nerves in the thigh.
- Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of Thigh: Leaves pelvis via greater sciatic foramen; supplies skin of lower back thigh and perineum; branches include inferior clunial nerves.
- Superior Gluteal Nerve: Emerges superior to piriformis; innervates gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae; includes articular branch to hip joint.
- Inferior Gluteal Nerve: Supplies gluteus maximus; leaves pelvis inferior to piriformis.
- Pudendal Nerve: Curves around ischial spine and enters perineum; supplies sensory and motor functions there.
- Nerve to Obturator Internus: Innervates obturator internus and superior gemellus; passes through lesser sciatic foramen.
- Nerve to Quadratus Femoris: Supplies quadratus femoris and inferior gemellus.
Vessels of the Gluteal Region
- Superior and Inferior Gluteal Arteries: Branch from internal iliac artery; accompany respective nerves to supply gluteal region.
- Internal Pudendal Artery: Accompanies pudendal nerve; enters perineum; minimal branches in the gluteal region.
- Veins: Superior and inferior gluteal veins and internal pudendal veins drain into internal iliac vein.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the boundaries and muscles of the gluteal region. This quiz covers important anatomical details such as the gluteus maximus and its origin, along with the region's defining boundaries. Enhance your understanding of this crucial area in human anatomy.
