Superior gluteal nerve

Infobox Nerve
Name = PAGENAME
Latin = nervus gluteus superior
GraySubject = 213
GrayPage = 659


Caption = Nerves of the right lower extremity. Posterior view.


Caption2 = Plan of sacral and pudendal plexuses. (Superior gluteal labeled at upper left.)
Innervates = gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fasciæ latæ
BranchFrom = sacral plexus (L4-S1)
BranchTo =
MeshName =
MeshNumber =
DorlandsPre = n_05
DorlandsSuf = 12565861
The superior gluteal nerve is a nerve that originates in the pelvis which supplies the gluteus medius, the gluteus minimus, and the tensor fasciae latae muscles.

tructure

The superior gluteal nerve originates in the sacral plexus. It arises from the dorsal divisions of the fourth and fifth lumbar and first sacral nerves: it leaves the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen above the piriformis, accompanied by the superior gluteal artery and the superior gluteal vein. It then divides into a superior and an inferior branch.
* The superior branch accompanies the upper branch of the deep division of the superior gluteal artery and ends in the gluteus minimus.
* The inferior branch runs with the lower branch of the deep division of the superior gluteal artery across the gluteus minimus; it gives filaments to the gluteus medius and minimus, and ends in the tensor fasciae latae.

The "superior" gluteal nerve and vessels travel "above" the piriformis muscle through the greater sciatic foramen; the inferior gluteal nerve and vessels travel "below" the muscle.

Pathology

Damage to the superior gluteal nerve can lead to the gait disturbance known as Trendelenburg gait.

ee also

* Inferior gluteal nerve

External links

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