Gluteus medius
Musculus gluteus medius
MuscularSuperficial musclesPelvisLeft and right
View left in 3D View right in 3D
- What it is
- Thick fan-shaped muscle on the outer surface of the ilium between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines, partly covered by gluteus maximus; its fibres converge on the lateral surface of the greater trochanter.
- Function
- Main abductor of the hip; in walking it keeps the pelvis level when the opposite foot is off the ground. Its anterior fibres also rotate the hip medially.
- Size
- About 15 cm wide at its origin, 2 cm thick.
- Clinical note
- Weakness or superior gluteal nerve injury gives a positive Trendelenburg sign: the pelvis drops on the unsupported side during single-leg stance.