Gluteus maximus, medius, minimus

It is easy to mix up the actions and innervations of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. The easiest way to approach questions on the gluteal muscles is to group the gluteus medius and minimus together. The medius and minimus both abduct the hip or more importantly, they allow our hips to stay level when we stand on one leg (Trendelenburg Test). The gluteus maximus helps us get out of a chair. The trick to these muscles is their innervation. The maximus goes with the inferior gluteal nerve. The medius and minimus are both innervated by the superior gluteal nerve. Be aware of this because it would seem logical that the maximus would go with the superior, but it doesn't!

4 comments:

  1. So....the maximus helps u sit...*when u sit, u're in an 'inferior' position!

    The minimus and medius helps u stand...when u stand, you're in a superior position!

    Ha! Helped me and complemented ur 2 for 1 so thought i'd share

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  2. well..the sit i mentioned was 'from the sitting position..don't get it twisted:)

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  3. Think of all those people who do squats = gain maximum muscle/shape by working the maximus.
    Superior is a superior nerve bc it innervates 2 mm.

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