What are the glutes, you ask? So yes, this article is quite literally about butts. However, the gluteal muscles do a lot more than just hang out on your rear end. If you enjoy walking, running, jumping, or simply rotating your hip joints, you can thank your glutes! Click here to explore the images from this blog post in 3D using Human Anatomy Atlas or later! The gluteus minimus is the smallest and deepest of the gluteal muscles.
In addition, its anterior portion provides internal rotation to the thigh, while its posterior portion provides external rotation to the thigh. Image from Muscle Premium. Gluteus minimus participating in hip abduction. Video footage from Muscle Premium.
It is a principal mover in hip abduction, lateral rotation, and medial rotation. Gluteus medius participating in hip lateral rotation. The gluteus maximus is the biggest and most buff of the gluteal muscles. It plays a principal role not only in the abduction and lateral rotation of the hips but also in hip extension, which pulls the leg backward. Upper fibers: iliotibial tract of fascia lata Lower fibers: gluteal tuberosity. Gluteus maximus participating in hip extension. Before we wrap things up, here are some more glute factoids!
Fat distribution is influenced by hormones. Most notably, estrogen causes biologically female individuals to tend to accumulate fat on their thighs and buttocks. Having strong glutes reduces the risk of certain injuries. Ultimately, having strong gluteal muscles contributes to improved balance, posture, and pelvic stability. There are lots of different exercises that can strengthen the glutes, including but definitely not limited to squats, lunges, bridges, and leg lifts. The tendons of the gluteal muscles, especially the gluteus minimus and gluteus medius, can experience tiny microtears over time, leading to gluteal tendinopathy —that is, tendon pain.
This type of overuse injury is often caused by poor control of the hip and gluteal muscles, which ends up putting undue stress on the tendons. Obturator internus originates on the internal surface of the pelvis. Obturator externus originates on the external surface of the pelvis.
Both attach to the femur to contribute to femoral rotation. The last of the deep gluteal muscles, quadratus femoris is named after its flat, quadrilateral shape. The deep gluteal region has several muscles that may appear difficult to differentiate. One method to identify these muscles is to locate the piriformis — the cone-shaped muscle lying on top of the sciatic nerve.
Patients with impaired hip abduction may present with an abnormal gait ataxia. Impaired hip abduction is commonly due to damage to the superior gluteal nerve. This may occur secondary to pelvic fractures, space-occupying lesions and as a complication of hip surgery.
See our hip examination guide for more information. Clinical Examination. An Introduction to the Arclight. Eye Drops Overview. Prescribing in Renal Impairment. Interpreting Hepatitis B Serology. Medicine Flashcard Collection. A collection of surgery revision notes covering key surgical topics. Aortic Dissection. Surgery Flashcard Collection.
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