Inferior gemellus muscle
Musculus gemellus inferior
- Synonym: Gemellus inferior muscle
- Related terms: Gemellus inferior; Inferior gemellus
Definition
Inferior gemellus muscle (muscle group: Deep gluteal muscles) | |
Origin | Ischial tuberosity |
Insertion | Greater trochanter of femur (common tendon of obturator internus and gemelli) |
Innervation | Nerve to Quadratus femoris (L5, S1 nerve roots) |
Action | Lateral thigh rotator |
The inferior gemellus is a small, slender muscle that arises from the ischial tuberosity, blends with the obturator internus tendon to insert on the greater trochanter, acting as a lateral rotator and stabilizer of the hip joint within the deep gluteal muscle group.
Origin
From the upper part of the ischial tuberosity, immediately below the groove for the obturator internus tendon.
Insertion
Joins the lower border of the tendon of the obturator internus and, with it (as the common tendon of the obturator internus and gemelli), it inserts into the medial surface of the greater trochanter of the femur, above the trochanteric fossa.
Functions
Action | Description |
Lateral rotation | Rotates the femur laterally when the hip is extended. |
Abduction | Assists in abducting the thigh when the hip is flexed. |
Stabilization | Helps maintain the femoral head in the acetabulum, stabilizing the hip during weight-bearing and movement. |
Relations
Superiorly: Tendon of obturator internus and superior gemellus.
Inferiorly: Quadratus femoris.
Deep: Posterior hip capsule.
Superficial: Gluteus maximus and sciatic nerve (which runs posterior to the muscle).
References
Lezak B, Massel DH. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Gemelli Muscles. [Updated 2023 Aug 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557420/
