Origin spine of the ischium | ||
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Insertion Obturator Internus tendon Artery Inferior gluteal artery Nerve nerve to obturator internus (L5, S1, S2) Actions Laterally rotates thigh Latin Musculus gemellus superior | ||
The superior gemellus muscle is a muscle of the human body.
The Gemelli are two small muscular fasciculi, accessories to the tendon of the Obturator internus which is received into a groove between them.
The Gemellus superior, the smaller of the two, arises from the outer (gluteal) surface of the spine of the ischium, blends with the upper part of the tendon of the Obturator internus. In some people, the fibres of the gemellus superior extend further than average, and are prolonged onto the medial surface of the greater trochanter of the femur.
The gemellus superior and gemellus inferior help to laterally rotate the extended thigh. Both muscles also help to steady the femoral head in the acetabulum by assisting the obturator internus muscle, "The gemelli aid obturator internus in its action. As obturator internus turns around the lesser sciatic notch it loses some of its power; this is compensated for by the action of the gemelli."
Etymology: Gemellus is the diminutive of "geminus" meaning twin, doubled or duplicated. The superior and inferior Gemellus muscles are paired and perform the same action.