Origin, course, distribution of the superior gluteal nerve and its relation to the superior gluteal artery and gluteal muscles

ABSTRACT

Ten pelvic halves of five Egyptian male cadavers were dissected in order to obtain a precise anatomical knowledge of the origin, course and distribution of the superior gluteal nerve and its relation to the corresponding artery. The more anterior parts of the glutei medius and minimus were innervated by branches of the superior gluteal nerve that were revealed to originate more cranially, and the tensor fasciae latae was innervated by the cranialmost element of the nerve. Based on these findings, it might be proposed that the course and distribution of the superior gluteal nerve are directly influenced by the anterior rotation of the gluteus medius