Gluteus minimus

The gluteus minimus, or glutæus minimus, the smallest of the three gluteal muscles,[1] is situated immediately beneath the gluteus medius.

Gluteus minimus
Gluteus minimus muscle (shown in red). Posterior view.
The gluteus minimus and nearby small gluteal muscles (posterior view)
Details
OriginFrom area in between the anterior gluteal line and inferior gluteal line of Gluteal surface ilium, under gluteus medius.
InsertionGreater trochanter of the femur
Arterysuperior gluteal artery
Nervesuperior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1 nerve roots)
ActionsWorks in concert with gluteus medius: abduction of the hip; preventing adduction of the hip. Medial rotation of thigh.
Antagonistlateral rotator group
Identifiers
Latinmusculus glutaeus minimus
TA98A04.7.02.008
TA22600
FMA22317
Anatomical terms of muscle

Structure
Muscles of the gluteal and posterior femoral regions with gluteus minimus muscle highlighted.

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. It is also a local stabilizer for the hip.

Relations

A bursa is interposed between the tendon and the greater trochanter.

Between the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus are the deep branches of the superior gluteal vessels and the superior gluteal nerve.

The deep surface of the gluteus 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 superior gemellus or the outer part of the origin of the vastus lateralis.

Function

The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus abduct the thigh, when the limb is extended, and are principally called into action in supporting the body on one limb, in conjunction with the tensor fasciæ latæ.

Their anterior fibers also flex the hip, and by drawing the greater trochanter forward, rotate the thigh inward,[2][3] in which action they are also assisted by the Tensor fasciæ latæ.

It was explained that both gluteus minimus and medius have same function. Their primary function is abduction of femur, while internal rotation and flexion can occur depending on the position of the femur.[4] Additionally, with the hip flexed, the gluteus minimus internally rotates the thigh. With the hip extended, gluteus minimus externally rotates the thigh.[4][5]

The attachment to the superior capsule of the hip may also serve to retract the capsule away from the joint during motion. This mechanism may prevent capsular impingement similar to the role of the articularis genus in the knee.[6]

Clinical significance

Paralysis of this muscle or gluteus medius, such as may be caused by the superior gluteal nerve palsy, can lead to difficulty abducting the leg. Patients will compensate for their difficulty walking by adopting a Trendelenburg gait.

References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 475 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

  1. Greco AJ, Vilella RC (July 2020). "Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Gluteus Minimus Muscle". StatPearls. PMID 32310604. Retrieved 13 August 2020. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  2. Ivanenko, YP (2006). "Motor Control Programs and Walking". Neuroscientist. 12 (4): 339–348. doi:10.1177/1073858406287987. PMID 16840710. S2CID 1236412.
  3. Carlsoo, S (1972). How Man Moves: kinesiological methods and studies. ISBN 9780434902156.
  4. Beck, M (2000). "The anatomy and function of the gluteus minimus muscle". The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume. 82-B (3): 358–363. doi:10.1302/0301-620X.82B3.0820358.
  5. Pratt, N. Clinical Musculoskeletal Anatomy. CBLS: Marietta, OH 2004.
  6. Neuman, Donald. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System. pp. 494–495.

Additional images
  • Position of gluteus minimus muscle (shown in red). Hip bone is shown in semi-transparent.
  • Structures surrounding right hip-joint. (Gluteus minimus visible at center left.)
  • Right hip bone. External surface.
  • Right femur. Anterior surface.
  • The arteries of the gluteal and posterior femoral regions.
  • Nerves of the right lower extremity Posterior view.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gluteus minimus muscles.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.