Innervation for gluteus maximus?

Innervation for gluteus maximus?

• A. nerve to piriformis
• B. inferior gluteal nerve
• C. superior gluteal nerve
• D. femoral nerve

Answer: (B)

Innervation for gluteus maximus comes from the inferior gluteal nerve. This nerve, arising from the sacral plexus (L5–S2), travels through the greater sciatic foramen below the piriformis to reach and motor-innervate gluteus maximus. This muscle is a powerful hip extensor and also assists with lateral rotation and, in some positions, with aiding in rising from a seated posture. The superior gluteal nerve supplies gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae; the nerve to the piriformis innervates the piriformis; and the femoral nerve supplies the anterior thigh muscles. Therefore, the inferior gluteal nerve is the correct innervation for gluteus maximus.

Innervation for gluteus maximus comes from the inferior gluteal nerve. This nerve, arising from the sacral plexus (L5–S2), travels through the greater sciatic foramen below the piriformis to reach and motor-innervate gluteus maximus. This muscle is a powerful hip extensor and also assists with lateral rotation and, in some positions, with aiding in rising from a seated posture. The superior gluteal nerve supplies gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae; the nerve to the piriformis innervates the piriformis; and the femoral nerve supplies the anterior thigh muscles. Therefore, the inferior gluteal nerve is the correct innervation for gluteus maximus.