ArticlesAnatomyLower limbNerves and vesselsInferior gluteal nerve

ArticlesAnatomyLower limbNerves and vesselsInferior gluteal nerve

Inferior gluteal nerve

Author: Roberto Grujičić, MD • Reviewer: Gordana Sendić, MD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 3 minutes

The inferior gluteal nerve is a branch of the posterior division of the sacral plexus. More specifically, this nerve arises from the posterior divisions of the anterior (ventral) rami of spinal nerves L5, S1 and S2. The inferior gluteal nerve originates in the pelvis and runs through the greater sciatic foramen to emerge in the gluteal region.

The inferior gluteal nerve is primarily a motor nerve. Its main function is to provide motor innervation for the gluteus maximus muscle.

This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the inferior gluteal nerve.

Key facts about the inferior gluteal nerve
Origin	Sacral plexus (L5, S1, S2)
Branches	Motor branches, communicating branches
Supply	Gluteus maximus muscle

Origin and course

The inferior gluteal nerve originates in the pelvic area from the sacral plexus (root value L5, S1, S2). It branches just proximal to the origin of the sciatic nerve. Upon originating, the inferior gluteal nerve runs anterior to the piriformis muscle. After its short course through the pelvic cavity, the inferior gluteal nerve leaves the pelvis through the inferior part of the greater sciatic foramen (under the piriformis muscle) accompanied by the inferior gluteal artery. The nerve then enters the gluteal region and pierces the deep surface of the gluteus maximus muscle.

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Branches and innervation

Along its course, the inferior gluteal nerve gives off several small muscular branches that innervate the gluteus maximus muscle.The main function of the gluteus maximus muscle is the extension of the trunk from a forward bending position, and extension of the hip from a sitting to standing position. In addition, the inferior gluteal nerve often gives off a communicating branch to the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve.

Clinical relations

Inferior gluteal nerve injury

The most common scenario in which the inferior gluteal nerve gets injured is hip replacement surgery. This iatrogenic injury usually happens during the fixation of the femur that compresses and injures the nerve. Additionally, the nerve can be compressed by a pelvic mass (e.g. cancer or aneurysm) or injured during accidents (e.g. car accidents). The injury of the inferior gluteal nerve results in an impaired leg extension and the lurching gait, secondary to the weakness and atrophy of the gluteus maximus muscle. The muscle weakness is usually combined with pain in the gluteal area.

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.

References

Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
Netter, F. (2019). Atlas of Human Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Ling ZX, Kumar VP. The course of the inferior gluteal nerve in the posterior approach to the hip. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2006;88 (12): 1580-3.
Skalak AF, McGee MF, Wu G, Bogie K. Relationship of inferior gluteal nerves and vessels: target for application of stimulation devices for the prevention of pressure ulcers in spinal cord injury. Surg Radiol Anat. 2008 Feb;30(1):41-5.

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