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| Gluteus minimus | |
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| The gluteus minimus and nearby muscles | |
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| Structures surrounding right hip-joint. (Gluteus minimus visible at center left.) | |
| Gray's | subject #128 475 |
| Origin | Gluteal surface of ilium, under gluteus medius. |
| Insertion | Greater trochanter of the femur |
| Artery | superior gluteal artery |
| Nerve | superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1 nerve roots) |
| Action | Works in concert with gluteus medius: abduction of the hip; preventing adduction of the hip. Medial rotation of thigh. |
| Antagonist | lateral rotator group |
The gluteus minimus, the smallest of the three gluteal muscles, is situated immediately beneath the gluteus medius.
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Origin and insertion
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.
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.
Action
The Glutæi medius and 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, by drawing the greater trochanter forward, rotate the thigh inward, in which action they are also assisted by the Tensor fasciæ latæ.
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.
The Nutty Professor (1996 film) uses the words "gluteus minimus" as a buzzword for a "nice ass".
See also
Additional images
 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. |
External links
This article was originally based on an entry from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy. As such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated. Please edit the article if this is the case, and feel free to remove this notice when it is no longer relevant.
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