Gluteus minimus (Musculus gluteus minimus)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The deepest gluteal muscle, from ilium to the anterior trochanteric facet beneath the medius; shares its medial rotation and stabilises the femoral head in the acetabulum.
Origin & insertion
External iliac surface between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines.
Action
Medially rotates the thigh and stabilises the pelvis with the medius in all single-leg tasks.
Innervation
Superior gluteal nerve (L4–S1).
Clinical notes
Its insertional tendinopathy at the trochanter is the source of "trochanteric bursitis" complaints in runners; distinguishing it from hip arthrosis needs targeted imaging.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Gluteus minimus?
The deepest gluteal muscle, from ilium to the anterior trochanteric facet beneath the medius; shares its medial rotation and stabilises the femoral head in the acetabulum.
Why is the Gluteus minimus clinically important?
Its insertional tendinopathy at the trochanter is the source of "trochanteric bursitis" complaints in runners; distinguishing it from hip arthrosis needs targeted imaging.
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