Gemellus Superior (Musculus gemellus superior)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The gemellus superior is a small, deep gluteal muscle forming the superior component of the triceps coxae alongside the obturator internus and gemellus inferior. Arising from the outer surface of the ischial spine, its tendon merges with the tendon of the obturator internus before inserting into the medial surface of the greater trochanter of the femur.
Origin & insertion
From the external surface of the ischial spine to the medial aspect of the greater trochanter of the femur (via the conjoint tendon of obturator internus).
Action
Laterally rotates the extended thigh at the hip joint; abducts the flexed thigh and stabilizes the femoral head in the acetabulum.
Innervation
Nerve to obturator internus and gemellus superior (L5, S1, S2).
Clinical notes
The gemellus superior acts as a crucial dynamic posterior stabilizer of the hip; its tendon is divided and repaired during the posterior (Moore) surgical approach to total hip arthroplasty.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Gemellus Superior?
The gemellus superior is a small, deep gluteal muscle forming the superior component of the triceps coxae alongside the obturator internus and gemellus inferior. Arising from the outer surface of the ischial spine, its tendon merges with the tendon of the obturator internus before inserting into the medial surface of the greater trochanter of the femur.
Why is the Gemellus Superior clinically important?
The gemellus superior acts as a crucial dynamic posterior stabilizer of the hip; its tendon is divided and repaired during the posterior (Moore) surgical approach to total hip arthroplasty.
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