Piriformis

Region: Hip & Thigh Muscles · All hip & thigh muscles

Piriformis at a glance

OriginFront surface of the sacrum
InsertionUpper border of the greater trochanter of the femur
ActionsRotates the thigh outward; Moves the thigh away from the midline when the hip is flexed
Nerve supplyNerve to piriformis (S1–S2)

◆ Good to know

The key landmark of the gluteal region: the sciatic nerve usually emerges just below it, and in some people pierces it — a variant implicated in piriformis syndrome.

Please note: This page is an anatomy education summary for students and curious readers, not medical advice. Attachment points are given in their classic short form; individual anatomy varies, and detailed dissection-level descriptions belong in an anatomy atlas.