Author: Dr Peter de Souza
Last modified: 7 November 2022

The gemellus inferior is one of the muscles of the deep group of muscles within the gluteal region. Gemelli is Latin for twins - there is also a gemellus superior. These two muscles a triangular shaped muscles which are located either side of the obturator internus muscles.

The gluteal region consists of two groups of muscles:

  • Deep group: small muscles which mainly laterally rotate the femur at the hip joint. These include the piriformis, obturator internus, gemellus superior, gemellus inferior, and quadratus femoris.
  • Superficial group: larger muscles which cause abduction and extension of the femur at the hip joint. These include the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimis and the tensor fascia latae.

Origin

  • Posterior ischial tuberosity
  • Posterolateral obturator ring

Insertion

  • Medial surface of greater trochanter of femur

Action

  • Lateral rotation of hip
  • Assists abduction of hip when hip is flexed

Innervation

  • Nerve to the obturator internus and superior gemellus; L5,S1 (branch of the sacral plexus)

Blood Supply

  • Inferior gluteal artery