Muscle
Superior gemellus
Lateral rotator (with obturator internus)
High-yield
Reinforces obturator internus; shares the nerve to obturator internus.
Overview
A small muscle above obturator internus tendon that reinforces its lateral-rotation action on the hip.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Ischial spine
- Insertion
- Medial surface of the greater trochanter (with obturator internus tendon)
- Action
- Laterally rotates the extended thigh; abducts the flexed thigh
- Innervation
- Nerve to obturator internus (L5, S1, S2)
- Blood supply
- Inferior gluteal / internal pudendal arteries
Frequently asked questions
What does the superior gemellus do?
The superior gemellus laterally rotates the extended thigh; abducts the flexed thigh.
What nerve innervates the superior gemellus?
The superior gemellus is innervated by the nerve to obturator internus (L5, S1, S2).
Where does the superior gemellus attach?
The superior gemellus originates from the ischial spine and inserts on the medial surface of the greater trochanter (with obturator internus tendon).
What is the blood supply of the superior gemellus?
The superior gemellus is supplied by the inferior gluteal / internal pudendal arteries.