The gemellus inferior is one of the muscles of the deep group of muscles within the gluteal region. Gemelli is Latin for twins - there is also a gemellus superior. These two muscles a triangular shaped muscles which are located either side of the obturator internus muscles.
The gluteal region consists of two groups of muscles:
- Deep group: small muscles which mainly laterally rotate the femur at the hip joint. These include the piriformis, obturator internus, gemellus superior, gemellus inferior, and quadratus femoris.
- Superficial group: larger muscles which cause abduction and extension of the femur at the hip joint. These include the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimis and the tensor fascia latae.
Origin
- Posterior ischial tuberosity
- Posterolateral obturator ring
Insertion
- Medial surface of greater trochanter of femur
Action
- Lateral rotation of hip
- Assists abduction of hip when hip is flexed
Innervation
- Nerve to the obturator internus and superior gemellus; L5,S1 (branch of the sacral plexus)
Blood Supply
- Inferior gluteal artery