Muscle
Superior gemellus
Upper partner of the obturator internus tendon
High-yield
The nerve to obturator internus is its standard teaching association. Dissection has also found supply from the nerve to quadratus femoris, either alone or together with that usual nerve.
Overview
Superior gemellus begins near the ischial spine and lies along the upper edge of the obturator internus tendon. Its fibers merge into the rotator complex before the attachment on the femur.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Outer aspect of the ischial spine
- Insertion
- Blends with the obturator internus tendon at the medial greater trochanter
- Action
- Helps turn the extended thigh outward and move the flexed thigh sideways
- Innervation
- Typically the nerve to obturator internus, commonly L5-S2; quadratus-femoris nerve contributions vary
- Blood supply
- Inferior gluteal arterial branches
Frequently asked questions
What does the superior gemellus do?
The superior gemellus helps turn the extended thigh outward and move the flexed thigh sideways.
What nerve innervates the superior gemellus?
Typically the nerve to obturator internus, commonly L5-S2; quadratus-femoris nerve contributions vary.
Where does the superior gemellus attach?
The superior gemellus originates from the outer aspect of the ischial spine and inserts on the blends with the obturator internus tendon at the medial greater trochanter.
What is the blood supply of the superior gemellus?
Inferior gluteal arterial branches.