MUSCULUS PIRIFORMIS Meaning and
Definition
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The musculus piriformis, commonly known as the piriformis muscle, is a small, flat, and pear-shaped muscle located deep within the gluteal region of the human body. Situated behind the hip joint and below the gluteus medius muscle, the piriformis muscle originates from the anterior portion of the sacrum and attaches to the greater trochanter of the femur, making it a key structure involved in the movement and stability of the hip joint.
Functionally, the musculus piriformis plays a vital role in the rotation and abduction of the thigh, meaning it assists in moving the leg outward and rotating it externally. This muscle facilitates these movements by directly crossing the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body, presenting an important link between the muscular and nervous systems.
Moreover, the piriformis muscle acts as a stabilizing agent for the sacrum and the entire pelvis, contributing to the maintenance of proper posture and body alignment during activities such as walking, running, and sitting. It also aids in preventing excessive inward rotation of the hip joint, providing stability and protection to various structures within the region during these movements.
However, the musculus piriformis can be prone to conditions such as piriformis syndrome, which refers to the compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve by the muscle. This condition can cause symptoms including buttock and leg pain, numbness, and tingling. Medical interventions such as stretching exercises, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical procedures, may be employed to address and alleviate piriformis syndrome.
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Origin, margins of anterior sacral foramina and great sacrosciatic notch of ilium; insertion, upper border of great trochanter; nerve supply, sciatic plexus; action, rotates thigh outward.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MUSCULUS PIRIFORMIS
- nusculus piriformis
- kusculus piriformis
- jusculus piriformis
- mysculus piriformis
- mhsculus piriformis
- mjsculus piriformis
- misculus piriformis
- m8sculus piriformis
- m7sculus piriformis
- muaculus piriformis
- muzculus piriformis
- muxculus piriformis
- mudculus piriformis
- mueculus piriformis
- muwculus piriformis
- musxulus piriformis
- musvulus piriformis
- musfulus piriformis
- musdulus piriformis
- muscylus piriformis
Etymology of MUSCULUS PIRIFORMIS
The word musculus piriformis has Latin etymology.
- Musculus is the Latin word for muscle, derived from the Greek word mys, meaning mouse. This term was likely chosen due to the appearance or movement of muscles being likened to mice.
- Piriformis is a Latin word that translates to pear-shaped. It is derived from the combination of pirum, meaning pear, and forma, meaning shape or form.
Therefore, musculus piriformis can be understood as the pear-shaped muscle.
Similar spelling word for MUSCULUS PIRIFORMIS
