Quick Facts
Origin: Posterior divisions of the anterior rami of fourth lumbar to first sacral nerves (L4-S1).
Course: Emerges from the sacral plexus to pass through greater sciatic foramen superior to the piriformis. It enters the gluteal region to provide motor innervation to gluteal muscles.
Branches: None.
Supply: Motor innervation to gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The superior gluteal nerve is a pure motor nerve formed by the posterior divisions of the anterior rami of fourth lumbar to first sacral nerves.
Course
The superior gluteal nerve leaves the pelvic cavity through the greater sciatic foramen, superior to piriformis muscle, and enters the gluteal region. Here it lies in a plane between the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles. Throughout its course, the superior gluteal nerve is accompanied by the superior gluteal artery and vein.
Branches
There are no named branches.
Supplied Structures
The superior gluteal nerve provides motor innervation to muscles in the gluteal region (gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae).
List of Clinical Correlates
- Trendelenburg test
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Superior Gluteal Nerve
The superior gluteal nerve is derived from the posterior division of the fourth and fifth lumbar and first sacral ventral rami.
