Muscle
Inferior gemellus
Lower muscle bordering the obturator internus tendon
High-yield
Its usual nerve comes from the nerve to quadratus femoris. This is a useful contrast with superior gemellus, although communicating or additional nerve branches mean the division is not absolute.
Overview
Inferior gemellus runs from the ischial tuberosity to the shared tendon complex behind the hip. It lies below obturator internus and contributes to the coordinated action of the short hip rotators.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Upper lateral region of the ischial tuberosity
- Insertion
- Joins the obturator internus tendon toward the medial greater trochanter
- Action
- Assists external rotation of the extended hip and abduction when the hip is flexed
- Innervation
- Usually the nerve to quadratus femoris, conventionally L4-S1; additional supply has been described
- Blood supply
- Muscular branches of the inferior gluteal artery
Frequently asked questions
What does the inferior gemellus do?
The inferior gemellus assists external rotation of the extended hip and abduction when the hip is flexed.
What nerve innervates the inferior gemellus?
Usually the nerve to quadratus femoris, conventionally L4-S1; additional supply has been described.
Where does the inferior gemellus attach?
The inferior gemellus originates from the upper lateral region of the ischial tuberosity and inserts on the joins the obturator internus tendon toward the medial greater trochanter.
What is the blood supply of the inferior gemellus?
The inferior gemellus is supplied by the muscular branches of the inferior gluteal artery.