Gluteus Minimus
Gluteal & Hip · Lower Limb
The gluteus minimus is the smallest and deepest of the three gluteal muscles, lying immediately beneath the gluteus medius. It arises from the external surface of the ilium, between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines, and its fibres pass to the anterior surface of the greater trochanter of the femur. Working closely with the gluteus medius, it abducts and medially rotates the hip and helps stabilise the pelvis during walking, keeping it level when the opposite leg is lifted off the ground. It is supplied by the superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1).
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
External surface of ilium, between anterior and inferior gluteal lines
Insertion
Anterior surface of greater trochanter of femur
Action
Abduction and medial rotation of hip; stabilizes pelvis during walking
Nerve
Superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1)
Attachments explained
The Gluteus Minimus is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
External surface of ilium, between anterior and inferior gluteal lines
Insertion
Anterior surface of greater trochanter of femur
Action & function
When the Gluteus Minimus contracts, it produces the following movements: Abduction and medial rotation of hip; stabilizes pelvis during walking.
As part of the Gluteal & Hip group of the Lower Limb, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Gluteus Minimus receives its nerve supply from the Superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1). This nerve carries fibres from spinal segment(s) L4, L5, S1.
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Superior gluteal nerve or to its spinal roots (L4, L5, S1) can weaken or paralyse the Gluteus Minimus, impairing the movements it normally produces (abduction and medial rotation of hip). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Gluteus Minimus (the OIANS method)
Treat the gluteus minimus as the deep partner of the gluteus medius, since the two share an origin region on the ilium, an action of abduction and medial rotation, and the same pelvic-stabilising duty during gait. Learning them as a functional unit means one mental model covers both, with the minimus simply being the smaller, more anterior layer inserting on the front of the greater trochanter.
Fix the nerve by grouping it: the gluteus minimus, gluteus medius, and tensor fasciae latae all run on the superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1). Because this muscle helps hold the pelvis level, injury to that nerve contributes to the same Trendelenburg gait seen with gluteus medius weakness.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Gluteus Minimus located?
The Gluteus Minimus is a muscle of the Gluteal & Hip group, located in the Lower Limb.
What is the origin of the Gluteus Minimus?
External surface of ilium, between anterior and inferior gluteal lines
What is the insertion of the Gluteus Minimus?
Anterior surface of greater trochanter of femur
What movements does the Gluteus Minimus produce?
Abduction and medial rotation of hip; stabilizes pelvis during walking
What nerve supplies the Gluteus Minimus?
Superior gluteal nerve (L4, L5, S1)
Is the Gluteus Minimus free to study in OIANS?
The Gluteus Minimus is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Lower Limb is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
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