Gluteus minimus

The gluteus minimus (or glutæus minimus), the smallest of the three gluteal muscles, 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
TAA04.7.02.008
FMA22317
Anatomical terms of muscle

Origin and insertion
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.

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,[1][2] in which action they are also assisted by the Tensor fasciæ latæ.

Additionally, with the hip flexed, the gluteus medius and minimus internally rotate the thigh. With the hip extended, the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus externally rotate the thigh.[3] [4]

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.[5]

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.

Pathology

References

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

  1. Ivanenko, YP. "Motor Control Programs and Walking". Neuroscientist. 12: 339–348. doi:10.1177/1073858406287987.
  2. Carlsoo, S. How Man Moves: kinesiological methods and studies. ISBN 9780434902156.
  3. Pratt, N. Clinical Musculoskeletal Anatomy. CBLS: Marietta, OH 2004.
  4. Beck, M (2000). "The anatomy and function of the gluteus minimus muscle". The Journal of Bone and Jonit Surgery (Br). 82 (B): 358–363.
  5. 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.
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