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Superior gemellus
The superior gemellus (Latin: musculus gemellus superior) is a small triangular-shaped pelvic muscle that stretches between the ischium of the hip bone and femur. It is located inferior to the gluteal muscles and deep within the posterior pelvis. Therefore, it belongs to the deep gluteal muscle group. Also, as the superior gemellus provides external (lateral) rotation of the thigh, it is classified as one of the lateral rotators.
Superior gemellus | |
Origin | Ischial spine |
Insertion | Medial aspect of greater trochanter of femur |
Action | Thigh external rotation |
Innervation | Nerve to obturator internus (L5 - S2) |
Blood supply | Internal pudendal and inferior gluteal arteries |
Origin
The superior gemellus muscle originates from the ischial spine.
Insertion
The superior gemellus inserts on the medial aspect of the greater trochanter (of the femur) via the tendon of the obturator internus muscle.
Action
The superior gemellus muscle provides external (lateral) rotation of the thigh at the hip joint.
Innervation
The superior gemelus is innervated by the nerve to obturator internus (L5 - S2) that arises from the sacral plexus.
Blood supply
The superior gemellus muscle receives arterial blood supply from the internal pudendal and inferior gluteal arteries. Both are branches of the internal iliac artery.