Gluteal nerve

Gluteal Nerve

The course of the gluteal nerve and its branches in the human body.

The Gluteal Nerve is a nerve in the human body that innervates the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus muscles. It is derived from the sacral plexus and consists of fibers from the L4, L5, and S1 spinal nerves.

Anatomy

The gluteal nerve is divided into two main branches: the superior gluteal nerve and the inferior gluteal nerve. The superior gluteal nerve innervates the gluteus medius and minimus muscles, while the inferior gluteal nerve innervates the gluteus maximus muscle.

Function

The gluteal nerve is responsible for the movement and sensation of the gluteal muscles. It plays a crucial role in actions such as walking, running, and jumping.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the gluteal nerve can result in gluteal nerve palsy, which can cause difficulty in walking and loss of sensation in the gluteal region. This can be caused by trauma, surgery, or diseases such as diabetes.

See Also

• Nervous system
• Peripheral nervous system
• Sacral plexus