Both muscles originate on the ilium: between anterior and posterior gluteal lines (gluteus medius) and middle and inferior lines (gluteus minimus); both insert on the greater trochanter (lateral surface for gluteus medius, anterior surface for gluteus minimus); and both areinnervated by the superior gluteal nerve (L4,5–S1). When contracting, both muscles pull the greater trochanter toward the lateral surface of the ilium, thus
resulting in:
Elevation of the contralateral pelvis
Ipsilateral hip abduction and internal rotation
resulting in:
Elevation of the contralateral pelvis
Ipsilateral hip abduction and internal rotation