Gluteus minimus muscle
Musculus gluteus minimus
- Related terms: Gluteus minimus
Definition
Origin: Gluteal surface of ilium, under gluteus medius.
Insertion: Greater trochanter of the femur
Artery: Superior gluteal artery
Nerve: Superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1 nerve roots)
Action: Works in concert with gluteus medius: abduction of the hip; preventing adduction of the hip. Medial rotation of thigh.
Antagonist: Lateral rotator group
Description:
The Glutaeus minimus, the smallest of the three Glutaei, is placed immediately beneath the preceding. It is fan-shaped, arising from the outer surface of the ilium, between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines, and behind, from the margin of the greater sciatic notch. The fibers converge to the deep surface of a radiated aponeurosis, and this ends in a tendon which is inserted into an impression on the anterior border of the greater trochanter, and gives an expansion to the capsule of the hip-joint. A bursa is interposed between the tendon and the greater trochanter. Between the Glutaeus medius and Glutaeus minimus are the deep branches of the superior gluteal vessels and the superior gluteal nerve. The deep surface of the Glutaeus minimus is in relation with the reflected tendon of the Rectus femoris and the capsule of the hip-joint.
Variations.—The muscle may be divided into an anterior and a posterior part, or it may send slips to the Piriformis, the Gemellus superior or the outer part of the origin of the Vastus lateralis.
