Deep gluteal muscles
Musculi glutei profundi
- Latin synonym: Rotatores laterales femoris
- Synonym: Lateral rotators of thigh
Definition
The deep gluteal muscles (Lateral rotators of thigh; deep external rotators of the hip), include the piriformis, obturator internus, obturator externus, superior gemellus, inferior gemellus, and quadratus femoris.
The piriformis muscle originates from the anterior surface of the sacrum and inserts onto the greater trochanter of the femur.
The obturator internus and externus muscles originate from the obturator membrane and surrounding bone, with the internus inserting onto the greater trochanter and the externus onto the trochanteric fossa.
The superior and inferior gemellus muscles originate from the ischium and insert onto the tendon of the obturator internus.
The quadratus femoris muscle originates from the ischial tuberosity and inserts onto the intertrochanteric crest of the femur.
These muscles are primarily responsible for the lateral rotation of the hip joint and play a significant role in stabilizing the hip during various movements.
Note that, in the Terminologia Anatomica 2, the obturator externus is not included in the group of deep gluteal muscles but in the medial compartment of thigh.
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