Superior Gluteal Nerve Flashcards

Examine the superior gluteal nerve, including its sacral plexus roots, course, muscular branches, hip stabilization, and clinical injuries.

Card 1 of 25Question

From which nerve plexus does the superior gluteal nerve arise?

The sacral plexus.

In This Section

1. From which nerve plexus does the superior gluteal nerve arise?

The sacral plexus.

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

L4, L5, and S1.

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

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

4. Is the superior gluteal nerve primarily motor or sensory?

Primarily motor, supplying muscles of the gluteal region.

5. Which three muscles receive motor innervation from the superior gluteal nerve?

Gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae.

6. Through which opening does the superior gluteal nerve leave the pelvis?

The greater sciatic foramen.

7. Does the superior gluteal nerve pass above or below piriformis?

Above the piriformis muscle.

8. Which artery accompanies the superior gluteal nerve through the greater sciatic foramen?

The superior gluteal artery.

9. What is the relationship of the superior gluteal nerve to the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus?

It travels laterally between the two muscles.

10. Into which two principal branches does the superior gluteal nerve commonly divide?

Superior and inferior branches.

11. Which muscle is primarily supplied by the superior branch of the superior gluteal nerve?

Gluteus medius.

12. Which muscles receive branches from the inferior division of the superior gluteal nerve?

Gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae.

13. Which muscle is reached by the terminal portion of the inferior branch of the superior gluteal nerve?

Tensor fasciae latae.

14. What is the principal hip movement associated with superior gluteal nerve motor function?

Hip abduction.

15. Which rotational movement may be weakened by superior gluteal nerve injury?

Medial rotation of the thigh.

16. What is the main function of superior gluteal nerve-innervated muscles during single-leg standing?

To stabilize the pelvis and prevent it from dropping on the unsupported side.

17. During which phase of walking are the hip abductors supplied by the superior gluteal nerve especially important?

The single-limb stance phase.

18. Does the superior gluteal nerve directly supply cutaneous sensation to the buttock?

No, it has no direct cutaneous sensory distribution.

19. What clinical sign may result from superior gluteal nerve injury?

A positive Trendelenburg sign.

20. What happens to the pelvis during a positive Trendelenburg test caused by superior gluteal nerve injury?

The pelvis drops on the unsupported side when standing on the affected limb.

21. What compensatory trunk movement may occur with unilateral superior gluteal nerve palsy?

Lateral leaning of the trunk toward the affected weight-bearing limb.

22. How can superior gluteal nerve motor function be assessed clinically?

By testing resisted hip abduction and observing pelvic stability during single-leg standing.

23. What anatomical feature places the superior gluteal nerve at risk during lateral hip surgery?

Its course between gluteus medius and minimus near the superior aspect of the greater trochanter.

24. Which pelvic injury may damage the superior gluteal nerve near its origin?

A pelvic or sacral fracture involving the lumbosacral plexus.

25. How does superior gluteal nerve injury differ functionally from inferior gluteal nerve injury?

Superior injury primarily weakens hip abduction, while inferior injury primarily weakens powerful hip extension.