Gluteus Medius Flashcards

Examine gluteus medius anatomy, including its iliac attachments, superior gluteal nerve supply, hip abduction, and pelvic stabilization.

Card 1 of 29Question

Where is the gluteus medius muscle located?

On the lateral surface of the ilium in the gluteal region.

In This Section

1. Where is the gluteus medius muscle located?

On the lateral surface of the ilium in the gluteal region.

2. What is the general shape of the gluteus medius?

A broad, fan-shaped muscle that converges toward the greater trochanter.

3. Which gluteal muscle lies superficial to the posterior portion of the gluteus medius?

The gluteus maximus.

4. Which muscle lies immediately deep to the gluteus medius?

The gluteus minimus.

5. What is the primary bony origin of the gluteus medius?

The external surface of the ilium between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines.

6. Which bony ridge forms the superior boundary of the gluteus medius origin?

The iliac crest.

7. Which fascial structure provides additional attachment to the gluteus medius?

The gluteal fascia covering the muscle.

8. Where does the gluteus medius insert?

Primarily on the lateral surface of the greater trochanter of the femur.

9. What is the primary action of the gluteus medius?

Abduction of the thigh at the hip joint.

10. What rotational movement is assisted by the anterior fibers of the gluteus medius?

Medial rotation of the thigh.

11. Which sagittal plane movement is assisted by the anterior fibers of the gluteus medius?

Hip flexion.

12. Which sagittal plane movement can the posterior fibers of the gluteus medius assist?

Hip extension.

13. What is the main function of the gluteus medius during single-leg standing?

To maintain a level pelvis by resisting pelvic drop on the unsupported side.

14. During walking, when is the gluteus medius particularly important for pelvic stability?

During the stance phase, when body weight is supported by one lower limb.

15. Which nerve supplies the gluteus medius?

The superior gluteal nerve.

16. Which spinal nerve roots contribute to the superior gluteal nerve?

L4, L5, and S1.

17. From which divisions of the sacral plexus does the superior gluteal nerve arise?

The posterior divisions of the ventral rami of L4, L5, and S1.

18. Through which opening does the superior gluteal nerve enter the gluteal region?

The greater sciatic foramen, superior to the piriformis muscle.

19. Between which two muscles does the superior gluteal nerve travel?

Between the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus.

20. Which artery primarily supplies the gluteus medius?

The superior gluteal artery.

21. Which major artery gives rise to the superior gluteal artery?

The internal iliac artery, usually through its posterior division.

22. Which veins primarily drain the gluteus medius?

The superior gluteal veins, which drain into the internal iliac vein.

23. Which bursa reduces friction between the gluteus medius tendon and the greater trochanter?

The gluteus medius trochanteric bursa.

24. What is a positive Trendelenburg sign?

Dropping of the unsupported side of the pelvis during single-leg standing.

25. Which side is usually affected when a positive Trendelenburg sign results from gluteus medius weakness?

The weight-bearing side, opposite the side of pelvic drop.

26. What compensatory trunk movement may occur with unilateral gluteus medius weakness?

Lateral leaning of the trunk toward the affected stance limb.

27. Which two major hip abductors are weakened by superior gluteal nerve injury?

The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus.

28. What is gluteus medius tendinopathy commonly associated with clinically?

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome, often causing pain over the lateral hip.

29. Which imaging modality is particularly useful for evaluating gluteus medius tendon tears?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).