Gluteus Minimus/Medius

Question 1

Give positions of these muscles:
Gluteus medius
Gluteus minimus

Answer 1

Gluteus medius Posteo-lateral aspect of buttock between iliac crest and greater trochanter of femur
Lies beneath Gluteus Maximus and the iliotibial tract/band
Gluteus Minimus lies under Gluteus medius

Question 2

Give attachments of Gluteus Medius

Answer 2

Lateral gluteal surface of Illium between the posterior and anterior gluteal lines
Superolateral surface of greater trochanter of the femur

Question 3

Give actions of Gluteus Med and Min

1. With pelvis fixed
2. With femur fixed

Answer 3

1. Abducts the thigh and medially rotates the femur

2. Tilts the pelvis down to the same side/prevents pelvis dropping to the opposite side

Question 4

Give 2 functional activities where these muscles are important:
Gluteus medius/minimus

Answer 4

Work to maintain level of pelvis in walking (with TFL), e.g when right leg raised these muscles on left leg contract to prevent right pelvis dropping. If weakened result = trendelenburg gait

Side walking

Question 5

Give attachments for gluteus minimus

Answer 5

Origin: gluteal surface of ilium deep & anterior to gluteus medius
Insertion: anterosuperior surface of greater trochanter of femur

Question 6

Give innervation of gluteus medius & minimus

Answer 6

Superior gluteal nerve L4-S1