Gemellus Inferior


Description[edit | edit source]

Gemellus inferior is the second of the gemelli muscles.[1] It lies inferior to gemellus superior and the Obturator internus tendon [2]. It is a triangle-shaped muscle[3] found in the deep gluteal space[4]. The inferior gemellus joins the superior gemellus and obturator internus as a conjoined tendon, the triceps coxae[3].

Origin[edit | edit source]

Ischial tuberosity[3] and lower part of lesser sciatic notch.

Insertion[edit | edit source]

The inferior gemellus, together with the superior gemellus and obturator internus, insert on the greater trochanter of femur.[3]

Nerve Supply[edit | edit source]

The nerve to Quadratus Femoris innervates the inferior gemellus (L4, L5, S1)[3][5].

Artery[edit | edit source]

It is supplied by the inferior gluteal artery[3].

Function[edit | edit source]

The two gemelli's primary function is to externally (laterally) rotate and extend the hip[3]. It also contributes to hip abduction while the hip is in flexion[3].

[6]

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Gemelli-obturator syndrome occurs when there is a dynamic compression of the sciatic nerve during stretching of the gemelii-obturator complex[3][4]. It is a rare condition and is a possible diagnosis for deep gluteal syndrome.[4]Symptoms include pain and/or dysesthesias in the hip, buttock or posterior thigh, with or without non-discogenic radicular pain[4].

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Miniato MA, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Back, Lumbosacral Trunk. InStatPearls [Internet] 2019 Mar 9. StatPearls Publishing.
  2. Häggström, Mikael (2014). "Medical gallery of Mikael Häggström 2014". WikiJournal of Medicine 1 (2). DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.008. ISSN 2002-4436
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 Lezak B, Massel DH. Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb, gemelli muscles.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Carro LP, Hernando MF, Cerezal L, Navarro IS, Fernandez AA, Castillo AO. Deep gluteal space problems: piriformis syndrome, ischiofemoral impingement and sciatic nerve release. Muscles, ligaments and tendons journal. 2016 Jul;6(3):384.
  5. Honma S, Jun Y, Horiguchi M. The human gemelli muscles and their nerve supplies. Kaibogaku zasshi. Journal of anatomy. 1998 Aug;73(4):329-35.
  6. Kenhub - Learn human anatomy. Functions of the gemelli muscles (preview) - 3D Human Anatomy | Kenhub. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWuoa-XJPXg [last accessed 25/07/2019]