Which nerve innervates the gluteus medius and minimus?

• A. Inferior gluteal nerve
• B. Obturator nerve
• C. Superior gluteal nerve
• D. Sciatic nerve

Answer: (C)

Hip abductors that stabilize the pelvis during gait are supplied by the superior gluteal nerve. This nerve delivers motor input to gluteus medius and gluteus minimus (and to tensor fasciae latae), enabling the hip to abduct and the pelvis to stay level when one leg bears weight. It comes from the lumbosacral region (L4–S1) and exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen above the piriformis, then splits to reach these muscles.

Understanding the other nerves helps confirm why this one fits: the inferior gluteal nerve mainly innervates gluteus maximus; the obturator nerve supplies many medial thigh muscles; the sciatic nerve serves most posterior thigh and leg muscles and does not innervate the gluteus medius or minimus.