Gluteus medius

The gluteus medius (Latin: musculus gluteus medius) is a broad fan-shaped muscle located between the gluteus maximus and gluteus minimus muscles. Together with the tensor fasciae latae, all gluteal muscles (including the gluteus medius) are classified as the muscles of the gluteal region. The gluteus medius stretches between the ilium of the hip bone and femur.

Origin

The gluteus medius muscle originates from the gluteal surface of the ilium between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines.

Insertion

Along with the gluteus minimus, the gluteus medius inserts on the greater trochanter of the femur.

Action

Primarily the gluteus medius is an abductor, and it provides abduction of the thigh at the hip joint. Contractions of the anterior fibers of the muscle result in internal rotation of the thigh, while contractions of the posterior fibers result in external rotation of the thigh during knee extension. Also, the gluteus medius stabilizes the pelvis.

Innervation

The gluteus medius is innervated by the superior gluteal nerve (L4 - S1) that arises from the sacral plexus.

Blood supply

The gluteus medius muscle receives arterial blood supply from the superior gluteal artery - a branch of the internal iliac artery.