Pear-shaped muscle
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Pear-shaped muscle (m piriformis) begins on the pelvic surface of the sacrum (II-IV sacral vertebra), lateral to the pelvic sacral orifices, exits from the pelvic cavity through the large sciatic foramen. Behind the neck of the hip, the muscle passes into a round tendon that attaches to the top of a large trochanter. Under this muscle there is a synovial pear-shaped muscle bag (bursa synovialis musculi piriformis).
Function of the pear-shaped muscle: turns the hip outward with a slight lead.
Innervation of the pear-shaped muscle: Muscular branches of the sacral plexus (SI-SIII).
Blood supply of pear-shaped muscle: lower gluteal, obturator, internal sexual artery.
How to examine?