Anterior gluteal line

Linea glutea anterior

Definition

The anterior gluteal line (a.k.a. middle curved line) is a bony ridge located on the external or gluteal surface of the ala of the ilium. It starts at the iliac crest, a few centimeters above the anterior superior iliac spine, and extends posteriorly and inferiorly until it reaches near the middle of the upper border of the greater sciatic notch. Among the gluteal lines, the anterior gluteal line is the longest. The gluteal surface of the ilium also features two additional gluteal lines: the inferior and posterior gluteal lines.

Two important muscles originate from the gluteal surface of the ilium, along the anterior gluteal line. These muscles are:

  • The gluteus minimus muscle, which originates below the anterior gluteal line, between anterior and inferior gluteal lines.

  • The gluteus medius muscle originates above the anterior gluteal line, between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines.

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Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2023 IMAIOS.

  • Standring, S. and Gray, H. (2016). ‘Chapter 80: Pelvic girdle, gluteal region and thigh’ in Gray’s anatomy The anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. (41st ed.) New York: Elsevier, pp. 1339-1344.


Comparative anatomy in animals

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