Piriformis

Written by Oliver Jones

Last updated October 6, 2023 • 3 Revisions •

The piriformis is a muscle of the gluteal region in the lower limb. It is an important landmark which divides the gluteal region into an inferior and superior part.

  • Attachments: Originates from the anterior surface of the sacrum. The fibres travel inferiorly and laterally through the greater sciatic foramen to insert onto the greater trochanter of the femur.
  • Actions: Lateral rotation and abduction of the lower limb.
  • Innervation: Nerve to piriformis.
  • Blood Supply: Superior and inferior gluteal artery
By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025)

Fig 1
The deep muscles of the gluteal region.

By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025)

Fig 2
The piriformis as an anatomical landmark in the gluteal region.

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Dissection Images

The gluteus maximus has been dissected away to reveal the gluteus medius. The sciatic nerve emerges into the gluteal region inferiorly to the piriformis.
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