Gluteus Minimus Flashcards

Explore gluteus minimus anatomy, including its iliac attachments, nerve supply, hip abduction, medial rotation, and pelvic stabilization.

Card 1 of 29Question

Where is the gluteus minimus muscle located?

Deep in the gluteal region, on the external surface of the ilium.

In This Section

1. Where is the gluteus minimus muscle located?

Deep in the gluteal region, on the external surface of the ilium.

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

A fan-shaped muscle with broad proximal attachments and a converging distal tendon.

3. Which muscle lies immediately superficial to the gluteus minimus?

The gluteus medius.

4. Which of the three gluteal muscles is the smallest?

The gluteus minimus.

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

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

6. Which gluteal line forms the superior boundary of the gluteus minimus origin?

The anterior gluteal line.

7. Which gluteal line forms the inferior boundary of the gluteus minimus origin?

The inferior gluteal line.

8. Where does the gluteus minimus insert on the femur?

The anterior facet of the greater trochanter.

9. Which joint capsule receives fibers from the gluteus minimus tendon?

The fibrous capsule of the hip joint.

10. In which general direction do the gluteus minimus fibers converge?

Inferolaterally from the ilium toward the greater trochanter.

11. What is the primary action of the gluteus minimus?

Abduction of the thigh at the hip joint.

12. Which rotational movement is produced by the gluteus minimus?

Medial rotation of the thigh at the hip.

13. How can the anterior fibers of the gluteus minimus contribute to hip movement?

They can assist hip flexion.

14. What is the main stabilizing function of the gluteus minimus during single-leg standing?

It helps prevent the pelvis from dropping on the unsupported side.

15. During which phase of walking is the gluteus minimus particularly important for pelvic stabilization?

The stance phase, especially during single-limb support.

16. Which nerve innervates the gluteus minimus?

The superior gluteal nerve.

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

L4, L5, and S1.

18. 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.

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

The greater sciatic foramen, superior to the piriformis muscle.

20. Which artery primarily supplies the gluteus minimus?

The deep branch of 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 blood from the gluteus minimus?

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

23. Which bursa may separate the gluteus minimus tendon from the greater trochanter?

The gluteus minimus bursa.

24. Which two muscles work together as the principal abductors of the hip?

The gluteus medius and gluteus minimus.

25. What is the anatomical relationship of the gluteus minimus to the hip joint capsule?

It lies immediately superficial to the capsule, with some tendon fibers blending into it.

26. What clinical sign may result from weakness of the gluteus minimus and gluteus medius?

A positive Trendelenburg sign, with pelvic drop on the unsupported side.

27. What functional deficit may follow injury to the superior gluteal nerve?

Weak hip abduction and impaired pelvic stabilization during walking.

28. Which lateral hip pain condition can involve the gluteus minimus tendon?

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome.

29. Which imaging modalities are useful for evaluating gluteus minimus tendon injuries?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and musculoskeletal ultrasound.