Gluteus Medius Muscle
Origin: Outer surface of the ilium, between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines, and the edge of the greater sciatic notch
Insertion: Posterolateral surface of the greater trochanter of the femur
Actions: Abduction and internal rotation of the thigh at the hip
Innervation: Superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1)
Blood Supply: Superior gluteal artery from the internal iliac artery
Primary Actions of the Gluteus Medius Muscle
1. Abduction of the thigh at the hip
Agonists:
- Gluteus maximus (upper fibers)
- Gluteus minimus
Antagonists:
- Gluteus maximus (upper fibers)
- Gluteus medius
- Gluteus minimus
2. Internal rotation of the thigh at the hip
Agonists:
- Tensor fasciae latae
- Gluteus minimus (anterior fibers)
Antagonists:
- Obturator internus,
- Obturator externus
- Gemellus superior
- Gemellus inferior
- Quadratus femoris
Adductor longus, adductor brevis, and adductor magnus (anterior part) assist with internal rotation of the thigh at the hip.
Secondary Actions of the Gluteus Medius:
1. Assists with external rotation of the thigh at the hip (posterior fibers)
Agonists:
- Obturator internus
- Obturator externus
- Gemellus superior
- Gemellus inferior
- Quadratus femoris
Antagonists:
- Tensor fasciae latae
- Gluteus minimus (anterior fibers)
- Gluteus medius (anterior fibers)
Piriformis, gluteus maximus, and sartorius may also assist with external rotation of the thigh at the hip.
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Muscle Pain Information: The gluteus medius muscle contributes to pain in the lower back, buttock, hip, and outer thigh.
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For intermediary anatomy students learning skeletal and muscle structure.
For beginning and intermediary anatomy . Muscle overlays on the human body. Excellent visuals!
