Gluteal Region Muscles Anatomy Quiz

Gluteal Region Muscles

• The gluteal region is a posterior area to the pelvic girdle, near the femur's proximal end. Muscles in this area control lower limb movement at the hip joint.
• Gluteal muscles are broadly categorized into superficial abductors/extensors and deep lateral rotators.
• Superficial group includes gluteus maximus, medius, minimus, and tensor fasciae lata. These primarily abduct and extend the femur.
• Deep lateral rotators include quadratus femoris, piriformis, gemellus superior, and gemellus inferior, and obturator internus. Their main function is laterally rotating the lower limb & stabilizing the hip joint.
• Arterial blood supply to these muscles is mainly from the superior and inferior gluteal arteries, branches of the internal iliac artery. Venous drainage follows the arterial supply.

Gluteus Maximus

• The largest muscle in the body, positioned superficially and shaping the buttocks.
• Originates from the outer surfaces of ilium, sacrum, coccyx, and sacrotuberous ligament
• Inserts into the iliotibial tract and gluteal tuberosity of the femur.
• Innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve (L5, S1, S2).
• Actions include hip extension and lateral rotation, also knee extension via the iliotibial tract.

Gluteus Medius

• Fan-shaped muscle situated between the gluteus maximus and minimus. Similar in shape and function to the gluteus minimus.
• Originates from the outer surface of the ilium.
• Inserts into the lateral surface of the greater trochanter of the femur.
• Innervated by the superior gluteal nerve (L5, S1).
• Actions involve abduction of the thigh and tilting the pelvis during walking.

Gluteus Minimus

• Deepest and smallest of the superficial gluteal muscles, similar in shape and function to the gluteus medius.
• Originates from the outer surface of the ilium.
• Inserts into the anterior surface of the greater trochanter of the femur.
• Innervated by the superior gluteal nerve (L5, S1).
• Actions include abduction of the thigh and tilting the pelvis during walking.

Tensor Fasciae Latae

• A small, superficial muscle situated near the anterior edge of the iliac crest.
• Originates from the iliac crest.
• Inserts into the iliotibial tract.
• Innervated by the superior gluteal nerve (L4,L5).
• Assists in extending the knee joint and abducting and medially rotating the thigh.

Piriformis

• A key landmark in the gluteal region, situated superiorly among deep muscles.
• Originates from the anterior surface of the sacrum.
• Inserts into the greater trochanter of the femur.
• Innervated by the first and second sacral nerves (L5, S1, S2).
• Acts as a lateral rotator of the thigh at the hip joint.

Obturator Internus

• Fan-shaped muscle within the pelvis. Emerges through the lesser sciatic foramen and projects into the gluteal region.
• Originates from the inner surface of the obturator membrane.
• Inserts into the upper border of the greater trochanter of the femur.
• Innervated by the sacral plexus (L5, S1).
• Functions as a lateral rotator of the thigh.

Gemellus Superior

• Narrow, triangular muscle that lies next to the obturator internus tendon.
• Originates from the spine of the ischium.
• Inserts into the upper border of the greater trochanter of the femur.
• Innervated by the sacral plexus (L5, S1).
• Acts as a lateral thigh rotator.

Gemellus Inferior

• Narrow, triangular muscle near the obturator internus tendon.
• Originates from the ischial tuberosity.
• Inserts into the upper border of the greater trochanter of the femur.
• Innervated by the sacral plexus (L5, S1).
• Acts as a lateral thigh rotator.

Quadratus Femoris

• Flat, square-shaped muscle, most inferior of the deep gluteal muscles; located below the gemelli and obturator internus .
• Originates from the lateral border of the ischial tuberosity.
• Inserts into the quadrate tubercle of the femur.
• Innervated by the sacral plexus (L5, S1).
• Acts as a lateral rotator of the thigh at the hip joint.

Test your knowledge on the anatomy and functions of the gluteal region muscles. This quiz covers both superficial abductors/extensors and deep lateral rotators. Learn about their roles in lower limb movement and blood supply.