Muscle
Gluteus minimus
Deep gluteal muscle helping steady the hip joint
High-yield
Its tendon also connects with the hip capsule. Rotation depends on hip position and the fibers acting: internal rotation is a useful basic action to learn, but it does not describe every mechanical situation.
Overview
Gluteus minimus lies beneath gluteus medius, running from the outer ilium toward the front of the greater trochanter. Together, these muscles help move the thigh sideways and control the pelvis during walking.
Reference facts
- Origin
- External ilium between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines, extending toward the greater sciatic notch
- Insertion
- Anterior greater trochanter, with fibers blending into the hip capsule
- Action
- Abducts and stabilizes the hip; commonly assists internal rotation, with rotational effects changing by position and muscle portion
- Innervation
- Superior gluteal nerve branches, usually summarized as L4-S1
- Blood supply
- Chiefly the deep superior gluteal arterial branches
Clinical correlation
Gluteal tendon disease can contribute to pain over the greater trochanter. Tendon changes may also appear on scans in people without pain, so an imaging finding alone does not establish the source of symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
What does the gluteus minimus do?
Abducts and stabilizes the hip; commonly assists internal rotation, with rotational effects changing by position and muscle portion.
What nerve innervates the gluteus minimus?
Superior gluteal nerve branches, usually summarized as L4-S1.
Where does the gluteus minimus attach?
Origin: External ilium between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines, extending toward the greater sciatic notch. Insertion: Anterior greater trochanter, with fibers blending into the hip capsule.
What is the blood supply of the gluteus minimus?
Chiefly the deep superior gluteal arterial branches.