The gluteal nerve is a nerve that supplies the muscles of the buttocks. Its spelling is determined by its pronunciation, which is /ɡluːtiəl nɜːv/. The first syllable, "glu," rhymes with "blue" and the second syllable, "teal," rhymes with "peel." The phonetic transcription /ɡluːtiəl/ represents the word's pronunciation in American English, where the "u" is pronounced with a long "oo" sound. The spelling of the word "gluteal" can be tricky due to the unusual combination of letters, but with practice, it can be mastered.
The gluteal nerve refers to a major peripheral nerve located in the human body. Specifically, it is one of the primary nerves that innervate the muscles in the gluteal region, which is situated in the buttocks. The nerve arises from the sacral plexus, a network of nerves formed by the ventral rami of the sacral spinal nerves. The gluteal nerve branches off from the sacral plexus, specifically originating from the dorsal divisions of the anterior rami of the spinal nerves from S1 to S3 or S4.
The gluteal nerve is responsible for providing motor innervation to the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae muscles, all of which play crucial roles in hip abduction and rotational movements. Additionally, the nerve also supplies sensory innervation to the skin overlying the gluteal region.
Damage or dysfunction to the gluteal nerve can result in various symptoms, including weakness or paralysis of the gluteal muscles, difficulty with balance and walking, as well as sensory disturbances in the buttocks region. This can occur due to trauma, compression, or entrapment of the nerve, such as in cases of hip dislocation, pelvic fractures, or prolonged pressure on the nerve during prolonged sitting or lying on hard surfaces. Rehabilitation exercises and, in severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary to regain proper function and alleviate symptoms.
Nervus glutaeus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "gluteal" is derived from the Latin term "gluteus", meaning "buttock". It refers to the muscles located in the buttocks known as the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. Therefore, the term "gluteal nerve" relates to the nerve that supplies these muscles and enables their movement and function.