Gemellus Superior

Original Editor - Abbey Wright Top Contributors - Abbey Wright

Original Editor -

Top Contributors - Abbey Wright

Description[edit | edit source]

Gemellus superior is a small muscle in the posterio-latereal portion of the hip. It works with gemellus inferior and obturator internus, to form the triceps coxae, to externally rotate the hip[1]. These three muscles also act as the deep stabilisers of the hip.[2]

Gemellus superior.png

Origin[edit | edit source]

Gemellus superior originates from the outer (gluteal) surface of the spine of the ischium[3]

Insertion[edit | edit source]

It has a blended insertion with the upper part of the tendon of the Obturator internus.[3]

Nerve[edit | edit source]

Nerve to obturator internus, which is formed from portions of the L5, S1, and S2 spinal nerves.

Artery[edit | edit source]

Inferior gluteal and internal pudendal arteries

Function[edit | edit source]

The gemelli muscles act to externally (laterally) rotate the hip.

[4]

Clinical relevance[edit | edit source]

Together with its twin: gemellus inferior as well as obturator internus and piriformis, gemellus superior is a deep stabiliser of the hip joint. These four muscles work with gluteus maximus to resist anterior forces of the hip. [5]

It is difficult to assess gemellus superior in isolation due to its proximity to the other external rotators of the hip. Testing of the external rotators would be done in a normal hip assessment.

Resources[edit | edit source]

  1. Palastanga, NIgel; Soames, Roger (November 2011). Physiotherapy Essentials : Anatomy and Human Movement : Structure and Function (6th ed.). London, GBR: Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 235
  2. Brukner, Peter. (2011). Brukner & Kahn's Clinical Sports Medicine (4th Edition). Australia. McGraw-Hill education Pty Ltd. p514-515
  3. 3.0 3.1 Palastanga, NIgel; Soames, Roger (November 2011). Physiotherapy Essentials : Anatomy and Human Movement : Structure and Function (6th ed.). London, GBR: Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 237.
  4. 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]
  5. Brukner, Peter. (2011). Brukner & Kahn's Clinical Sports Medicine (4th Edition). Australia. McGraw-Hill education Pty Ltd. p516