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ArticlesAnatomyLower limbHip and thighSuperior gluteal nerve
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ArticlesAnatomyLower limbHip and thighSuperior gluteal nerve

Superior gluteal nerve

Author: Danijel Tosovic, PhD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: May 02, 2024
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Sacral plexus [24:26]
The anatomy of the sacral plexus, including its spinal roots and its branches to the pelvis and lower limb.
Superior gluteal nerve
Nervus gluteus superior
1/5
Synonyms: Nervus gluteus cranialis

The superior gluteal nerve is a branch of the sacral plexus, arising from the anterior rami of L4, L5 and S1 spinal nerves. In its course, the superior gluteal nerve passes through the greater sciatic foramen alongside the superior gluteal vessels. It then passes superior to the piriformis muscle and runs between the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, dividing into superior and inferior branches.

The superior branch innervates the gluteus medius, while the inferior branch supplies both the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, as well as the tensor fasciae latae. The gluteus maximus is not supplied by the superior gluteal nerve, instead it is supplied by the inferior gluteal nerve

Terminology English: Superior gluteal nerve
Latin: Nervus gluteus superior
Definition Motor branch of the sacral plexus 
Roots L4, L5, S1
Supply  Gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fasciae latae

Learn more about the branches of the sacral plexus with this study unit (and article):

Sacral plexus Explore study unit
Sacral plexus Read article

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

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