Gluteal muscles

Overview

The gluteal muscles are the most superficial group of the posterior hip and thigh muscles. This muscle group consists of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and tensor fasciae latae.

These four muscles fill the gluteal (buttock) region and provide it with shape and form. The gluteal region refers to the general region of the buttocks that is situated on the posterior aspect of the pelvic girdle. It is bounded anteriorly by the pelvic girdle, superiorly by the iliac crest and inferiorly by the gluteal folds.

Roughly speaking, all of the gluteal muscles have a common origin on the ilium and insertion on the femur, as well as their own additional attachments. They are also all innervated by branches of the sacral plexus. More specifically, the gluteus maximus is innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve, while the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and tensor fasciae latae receive their nervous supply from the superior gluteal nerve.

The gluteal muscles are vascularized by branches of the internal iliac artery, namely the superior and inferior gluteal arteries. The exception is the tensor fasciae latae muscle, which receives blood supply from the ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery.

Test yourself on the anatomy of the gluteal muscles and the other muscles of the hip and thigh in this interactive quiz.

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Gluteus maximus

The gluteus maximus is the largest and most superficial of the gluteal muscles, providing the majority of the shape to the buttock region. This muscle has a large site of origin, spanning across the thoracolumbar fascia, gluteal surface of the ilium, posterolateral aspect of the sacrum and coccyx, sacrotuberous ligament, and gluteal aponeurosis.

Its muscle fibers converge inferolaterally to insert on two sites: the upper, superficial portion of muscle fibers insert on the iliotibial tract, while the lower, deeper fibers insert on the gluteal tuberosity of the femur.

The gluteus maximus muscle receives its innervation from the inferior gluteal nerve (L5-S2), a branch of the sacral plexus. The blood supply to this muscle stems from the muscular branches of the inferior gluteal and superior gluteal arteries.

The main function of the gluteus maximus is to extend and abduct the thigh at the hip joint. It also assists in the external rotation and adduction of the thigh.

Gluteus medius

The gluteus medius is found deep to the gluteus maximus and superficial to the gluteus minimus. It originates on the gluteal surface of the ilium between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines. The muscle then descends anteroinferiorly to insert onto the lateral side of the greater trochanter of femur.

The gluteus medius is innervated by the superior gluteal nerve (L4, S1), and vascularized by the deep branch of the superior gluteal artery.

The function of the gluteus medius is to abduct and internally rotate the thigh at the hip joint. The muscle also contributes to the stabilization of the pelvis and trunk during the gait cycle.

Gluteus minimus

The gluteus minimus is the smallest and deepest of the gluteal muscles. It arises on the gluteal surface of the ilium, between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines. The muscle descends anteroinferiorly to insert on the anterolateral aspect of the greater trochanter of the femur.

Just like the gluteus medius, the gluteus minimus receives its nervous supply from the superior gluteal nerve (L4, S1), and its blood supply from the deep branch of the superior gluteal artery.

The gluteus minimus acts in synergy with the gluteus medius to abduct and internally rotate the thigh, and contributes to the stabilization of the pelvis.

Tensor fasciae latae

Tensor fasciae latae is a fusiform muscle located in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh. It originates from the outer lip of the anterior iliac crest and the anterior superior iliac spine. It then runs distally to insert on the fascia lata. The tensor fasciae latae, together with the gluteus maximus muscle and the gluteal aponeurosis, form a horizontal band known as the iliotibial tract. The iliotibial tract extends to insert onto the lateral condyle of the tibia and lateral patellar retinaculum.

The tensor fasciae latae is innervated by the superior gluteal nerve (L4, S1). Its blood supply stems from the ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery

The function of the tensor fasciae latae is to abduct the thigh at the hip joint, and to externally rotate the leg at the knee joint. Since the tensor fasciae latae crosses the hip and knee joints, it contributes to the stabilization of both.