Summary
Origins
- Anterior surface of the sacrum and sacrotuberous ligament
Insertions
- Superior aspect of the greater trochanter of the 🦴 femur
Actions
- Laterally rotates the extended hip
- Abducts the flexed thigh
- Stabilizes the femoral head in the acetabulum
The piriformis runs from the anterior sacrum through the greater sciatic foramen to the greater trochanter. Its pear-shaped belly is a landmark for the sciatic nerve and helps laterally rotate or abduct the hip depending on the femur's position.