Origin: Posterior aspect of dorsal ilium posterior to posterior gluteal line, posterior superior iliac crest, posterior inferior aspect of sacrum and coccyx, and sacrotuberous ligament
Insertion: Primarily in fascia lata at the iliotibial band; also into the gluteal tuberosity on posterior femoral surface
Action: Major extensor of hip joint, assists in laterally rotating the thigh; upper and middle third section of the muscle are abductors
Innervation: Inferior gluteal nerve (L5, S1, S2)
Arterial Supply: Inferior and superior gluteal arteries and the first perforating branch of the profunda femoris artery
The medical illustrations contained in this online atlas are copyrighted © 1997 by the University of Washington. They may not be utilized, reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the University of Washington.
Receiving a license to use these images is generally quite easy, particularly for academic and scholarly purposes. For more information see the Musculoskeletal Atlas Express Licensing Page.
Lower Extremity
- Adductor Brevis
- Adductor Longus
- Adductor Magnus
- Biceps Femoris – Long Head
- Biceps Femoris – Short Head
- Extensor Digitorum Longus
- Extensor Hallucis Longus
- Flexor Digitorum Longus
- Flexor Hallucis Longus
- Gastrocnemius
- Gluteus Maximus
- Gluteus Medius
- Gluteus Minimus
- Gracilis
- Iliacus
- Inferior Gemellus
- Obturator Externus
- Obturator Internus
- Pectineus
- Peroneus Brevis
- Peroneus Longus
- Peroneus Tertius
- Piriformis
- Plantaris
- Popliteus
- Psoas
- Quadratus Femoris
- Rectus Femoris
- Sartorius
- Semimembranosus
- Semitendinosus
- Soleus
- Superior Gemellus
- Tensor Fascia Lata
- Tibialis Anterior
- Tibialis Posterior
- Vastus Intermedius
- Vastus Lateralis
- Vastus Medialis