Gluteus Minimus Muscle

Authors
Affiliations

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Overview

Origin

Ilium (gluteal surface below the origin of gluteus medius)

Insertion

Greater trochanter of the femur (anterolateral surface)

Innervation

The gluteus maximus muscle is innervated by nerve roots L4, L5, and S1, via the Superior gluteal nerve

Action

  • Entire muscle: abducts the hip, stabilizes the pelvis in the coronal plane
  • Anterior fibers: flexion and internal rotation
  • Posterior fibers: extension and external rotation

At ≥60° hip flexion, the posterior fibers of the gluteus minimus switch and produce an internal rotation torque.

References

1.
Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.
2.
Neumann DA, Kelly ER, Kiefer CL, Martens K, Grosz CM. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2017.

Citation

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