Gluteus minimus muscle

Last revised by Craig Hacking on 25 Aug 2021

The gluteus minimus muscle (plural: glutei minimi) and gluteus medius muscle are two muscles of the more superficial group in the gluteal region.

Summary
  • origin: gluteal surface of the ilium between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines
  • insertion: anterior facet of the greater trochanter of femur
  • arterial supply: superior gluteal artery
  • innervationsuperior gluteal nerve
  • action
    • abducts femur at hip joint
    • holds pelvis secure over stance leg and prevents pelvic drop on the opposite swing side during walking
    • medially rotates thigh
  • antagonist: lateral rotator group
  • variants:
    • gluteus minimus muscle may be attached to the tensor fascia lata 
    • two-part gluteus minimus muscle

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