Muscle Names · Muscular System · Medium

Piriformis

Meaning: Pear-shaped muscle from the anterior sacrum to the greater trochanter that externally rotates the hip.

In practice: Spasm can compress the sciatic nerve, reproduced by the FAIR test of flexion, adduction and internal rotation.

Quick check

Two questions on related muscle names words.

Which word means: Two-bellied suprahyoid muscle that depresses the mandible and helps open the mouth.

Which word means: The dome-shaped breathing muscle separating chest from abdomen.

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.