Which neurovascular structure passes through the greater sciatic foramen ABOVE the piriformis muscle?
- A Pudendal nerve and internal pudendal vessels
- B Inferior gluteal vessels and nerve
- C Superior gluteal vessels and nerve ✓
- D Nerve to obturator internus
Correct answer: C. Superior gluteal vessels and nerve
Explanation
The superior gluteal artery, vein, and nerve are the only structures that exit the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen above the piriformis. All other listed structures leave below the piriformis. The pudendal nerve and internal pudendal vessels then cross the sacrospinous ligament to re-enter the pelvis through the lesser sciatic foramen, a detail that makes option A tempting but wrong.
Reference: Moore Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.