Gemellus Inferior (Musculus gemellus inferior)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The gemellus inferior is a deep gluteal muscle situated below the obturator internus tendon, forming the inferior component of the triceps coxae. Arising from the upper margin of the ischial tuberosity, it travels horizontally across the posterior hip capsule to insert into the greater trochanter together with the obturator internus.
Origin & insertion
From the upper border of the ischial tuberosity to the medial surface of the greater trochanter of the femur.
Action
Laterally rotates the extended thigh at the hip joint; abducts the flexed thigh and assists in holding the head of the femur in the acetabulum.
Innervation
Nerve to quadratus femoris and gemellus inferior (L4, L5, S1).
Clinical notes
Irritation or entrapment of the sciatic nerve as it passes superficial or anterior to the gemelli and obturator internus contributes to deep gluteal syndrome.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Gemellus Inferior?
The gemellus inferior is a deep gluteal muscle situated below the obturator internus tendon, forming the inferior component of the triceps coxae. Arising from the upper margin of the ischial tuberosity, it travels horizontally across the posterior hip capsule to insert into the greater trochanter together with the obturator internus.
Why is the Gemellus Inferior clinically important?
Irritation or entrapment of the sciatic nerve as it passes superficial or anterior to the gemelli and obturator internus contributes to deep gluteal syndrome.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details