Gluteal region and Back of Thigh, supply and function
The gluteal muscles are the most superficial group of the posterior hip and thigh muscles. This muscle group consists of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and tensor fasciae latae. Read the article to know more.
Nivedita Dar30 Jul, 2024
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Gluteal region colloquially known as buttock is the region found on the backside of the pelvis bone responsible for dynamic movements and upright stability of humans. Many important neurovasculature pass through this area into the leg thus knowing its anatomy is very important while giving intramuscular injections.
The gluteal muscles are a group of muscles that make up the buttock area; the muscle group consists of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. The gluteus maximus is the most superficial and largest of the three muscles.Boundaries
The boundaries of gluteal region include iliac crest superiorly and it inferiorly ends at gluteal folds. The muscles of the region consist of the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus, as well as the piriformis, obturator internus, superior and inferior gemellus, and quadratus femoris.Neurovasculature
The gluteal nerves form the important neurovasculature of the gluteal region. They are two in number namely the superior gluteal and inferior gluteal . Both of them exit the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen and pass the piriformis muscle , with the superior gluteal nerve passing over, and the inferior gluteal nerve passing under the muscle. After leaving the pelvis, they terminate by giving off branches to innervate the gluteal muscles .Back of thigh
Back of thigh or posterior compartment of legs are a very strong group of muscles which help you sprint. These are also a part of antigravity muscles preventing flexion at hip joint. The three muscles have their name as biceps femoris, semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscle. They all share a common origin point and insert at proximal parts of tibia and fibula bone. Innervation of these muscles is by Sciatic nerve. All these groups of muscles are called Hamstrings as due to obvious resemblance with them. They cross both the knee and hip but have different function on these joints whereas they do flexion at knee but do extension at hip joint.Gluteal region and Back of Thigh FAQs
What is popliteal fossa?
The Popliteal Fossa is a diamond-shaped space behind the kneejoint. It is formed between the muscles in the posterior compartments of the thigh and leg. This anatomical landmark is the major route by which structures pass between the thigh and leg.
Where should the intramuscular injection be given in the gluteal region?
IM injection placement should be in the upper outer quadrant of the buttock. Otherwise, the inferior and superior gluteal nerves are at risk of injury.
What is the Trendelenburg sign?
Trendelenburg sign is a physical examination finding seen when assessing for any dysfunction of the hip. A positive Trendelenburg sign usually indicates weakness in the hip abductor muscles consisting of the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. A positive sign is defined by a hip drop on opposite side while standing on one leg.
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