Muscle
Inferior gemellus
Lateral rotator (with obturator internus)
High-yield
Shares the nerve to quadratus femoris; assists lateral rotation.
Overview
A small muscle below the obturator internus tendon assisting lateral rotation of the hip.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Ischial tuberosity
- Insertion
- Medial surface of the greater trochanter (with obturator internus tendon)
- Action
- Laterally rotates the extended thigh; abducts the flexed thigh
- Innervation
- Nerve to quadratus femoris (L4, L5, S1)
- Blood supply
- Inferior gluteal / medial femoral circumflex arteries
Frequently asked questions
What does the inferior gemellus do?
The inferior gemellus laterally rotates the extended thigh; abducts the flexed thigh.
What nerve innervates the inferior gemellus?
The inferior gemellus is innervated by the nerve to quadratus femoris (L4, L5, S1).
Where does the inferior gemellus attach?
The inferior gemellus originates from the ischial tuberosity and inserts on the medial surface of the greater trochanter (with obturator internus tendon).
What is the blood supply of the inferior gemellus?
The inferior gemellus is supplied by the inferior gluteal / medial femoral circumflex arteries.