How Do You Identify The Piriformis?
The piriformis is a muscle in the gluteal region of the leg. It is a flat muscle with a generally pyramidal shape that is nearly parallel with the gluteus medius. The piriformis is partially inside the pelvis and exits through the greater sciatic foramen. The following steps will help you identify the piriformis. Read up on Latin roots to know that “piriformis” means “pear-shaped,” referring to the shape of this muscle. Examine the piriformis to see that it laterally rotates the thigh outward and stabilizes the hip. Observe how the piriformis originates from the two to four costotransverse bars of the anterior sacrum and part of the gluteal spine. A few fibers originate from the superior border of the greater sciatic notch. Look at the insertion of the piriformis into the anterior part of the medial aspect of the greater trochanter of the femur. The tendon frequently joins with the tendons of the gemellus and obturator internus muscles before the insertion. Research the nervous system
