How to Identify the Gluteus Medius

The gluteus medius is one of three gluteal muscles. It is a broad, thick muscle on the external surface of the pelvis. The gluteus medius is covered by the gluteus maximus on the posterior third and the gluteal aponeurosis on the anterior two-thirds. The following steps will help you identify the gluteus medius muscle.

Instructions

1. Read up on Latin roots to know that "gluteus" means "buttocks" and "medius" means "medium." This is the medium-sized muscle in the buttocks.

2. Examine the gluteus medius to see that its anterior and lateral fibers abduct and medially rotate the thigh, especially when standing on one leg. The posterior fibers may laterally rotate the thigh, stabilize the pelvis and prevent the free limb from drooping while walking.

3. Observe how the gluteus medius originates from the outer side of the ilium on the iliac crest between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines. It also attaches to the upper fascia.

4. Look at the insertion of the gluteus medius into the superior aspect of the greater trochanter of the femur. The tendon is inserted anterior to the axis of the thigh's rotation, allowing the gluteus medius to rotate the thigh.

5. Research the nervous system to know that the nerve for the gluteus medius is the superior gluteal nerve from the fourth and fifth lumbar nerves, and the first sacral nerve.

6. Study the circulatory system to know that the blood supply for the gluteus medius is the superior gluteal artery.

Resources

• Read a medical glossary.