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.

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.