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AnatomyLower limbNerves and vesselsGluteal nerves
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AnatomyLower limbNerves and vesselsGluteal nerves

Gluteal nerves

Author: Milena Vujović, MD • Reviewer: Gordana Sendić, MD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 5 minutes

Recommended video: Sacral plexus [24:26]
The anatomy of the sacral plexus, including its spinal roots and its branches to the pelvis and lower limb.
Gluteal nerves
Nervi glutei
Synonyms: none

The superior and inferior gluteal nerves are motor nerves arising from the sacral plexus, which is formed by the anterior (ventral) rami of spinal nerves L4-S4. The superior gluteal nerve arises from the posterior (dorsal) division of anterior rami L4-S1, while the inferior gluteal nerve originates from the posterior division of anterior rami L5-S2.

The gluteal nerves arise in the lumbosacral region. Both of them exit the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen and pass the piriformis muscle, with the superior gluteal nerve passing over, and the inferior gluteal nerve passing under the muscle. After leaving the pelvis, they terminate by giving off branches to innervate the gluteal muscles.

This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the gluteal nerves.

Key facts about the superior gluteal nerve
Origin Sacral plexus (L4–S1)
Branches Superior, inferior branches
Supply Gluteus medius muscle, gluteus minimus muscle, and tensor fasciae latae muscle
Key facts about the inferior gluteal nerve
Origin Sacral plexus (L5–S2)
Branches Branches for gluteus maximus muscle
Supply Gluteus maximus muscle
Contents
  1. Superior gluteal nerve
  2. Inferior gluteal nerve
  3. Clinical relations
    1. Superior gluteal nerve entrapment syndrome
  4. Sources
+ Show all

Superior gluteal nerve

Superior gluteal nerve
Nervus gluteus superior
1/3
Synonyms: Nervus gluteus cranialis

The superior gluteal nerve is a motor branch of the sacral plexus that arises from the posterior divisions of the L4, L5, and S1 anterior roots. On its way, it passes through the greater sciatic foramen accompanied by the superior gluteal artery and vein. The superior gluteal nerve and vessels pass superiorly to the piriformis muscle, after which the nerve divides into its superior and inferior branches.

The superior branch innervates the gluteus medius muscle, while the inferior branch innervates the gluteus minimus and the tensor fasciae latae muscle.

Continue learning and testing your knowledge of the superior and inferior gluteal nerves with Kenhub application! Try it out and make your anatomy information more accessible!

Inferior gluteal nerve

Inferior gluteal nerve
Nervus gluteus inferior
1/3
Synonyms: Nervus gluteus caudalis

The inferior gluteal nerve is also a motor branch of the sacral plexus, arising from the posterior divisions of the L5, S1, and S2 anterior roots. It courses inferiorly and exits the pelvic cavity via the greater sciatic foramen while passing inferiorly to the piriformis muscle.

The inferior gluteal nerve terminates by providing branches for the motor innervation of the gluteus maximus muscle.

Take the following quiz to test and reinforce your knowledge about the sacral plexus:

Clinical relations

Superior gluteal nerve entrapment syndrome

Superior gluteal nerve entrapment syndrome is a rare clinical condition caused by the impingement of the superior gluteal nerve between the piriformis and gluteus medius muscle. This syndrome is sometimes termed “pseudo-sciatica”, because it can be misdiagnosed as sciatica, mimicking a herniated disc. The patient may feel pain or tenderness in the gluteal region, as well as weakness of abduction of the affected hip with a waddling gait.

The treatment of entrapment syndrome is usually with a local anesthetic or steroid injection. If the pain returns, it is treated by performing neuroablation, a minimally invasive procedure in which the superior gluteal nerve is destroyed with radio waves resulting in the relief of symptoms.

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
  • Netter, F. (2019). Atlas of Human Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Lung K, Lui F. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Superior Gluteal Nerve. [Updated 2021 Aug 11]. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/b...
  • Merryman J, Asuka E, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Inferior Gluteal Nerve. [Updated 2021 Aug 1]. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/b...
  • Rask MR. Superior gluteal nerve entrapment syndrome. Muscle Nerve. 1980 Jul-Aug;3(4):304-7. doi: 10.1002/mus.880030406. PMID: 7412775.
  • Trescot A.M. (2016) Superior Gluteal Nerve Entrapment. In: Trescot A.M. (eds) Peripheral Nerve Entrapments. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-...

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