What are the major muscles of the gluteal region?

The major gluteal muscles are gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae. These are the primary muscles that form the bulk of the buttocks and perform key hip movements.

What is the main action of the gluteus maximus muscle?

The gluteus maximus is the chief extensor of the hip. It's particularly important for powerful movements like rising from sitting and climbing stairs.

What is the Trendelenburg sign and what causes it?

The Trendelenburg sign is a clinical observation where the pelvis sags on the unsupported side during single-leg stance. It's caused by paralysis of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, which normally prevent this sagging.

What is the function of the gluteus medius muscle?

The gluteus medius is the main abductor of the hip. It also plays a crucial role in stabilizing the pelvis during walking, preventing it from sagging on the unsupported side.

What do the minor gluteal muscles have in common?

All the minor gluteal muscles (piriformis, gemelli, obturators, quadratus femoris) function as lateral rotators of the thigh. They work together to rotate the leg outward at the hip joint.

What nerve innervates the gluteus maximus?

The gluteus maximus is innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve (spinal levels L5, S1, S2). This nerve specifically controls this large hip extensor muscle.

Where does the tensor fasciae latae insert and what does it do?

The tensor fasciae latae inserts into the iliotibial tract. Its main actions are to tense the fascia lata and help stabilize the femur on the tibia during standing and movement.

Gluteal Muscles – Maximus, Medius & Minimus

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