Muscle
Gluteus maximus
Powerful hip extensor
High-yield
Chief hip extensor from a flexed position; inferior gluteal nerve. Injection safe in superolateral quadrant.
Overview
The largest, most superficial gluteal muscle. It is the chief extensor of the hip, most active in climbing and rising from sitting.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Posterior gluteal line of the ilium, dorsal sacrum and coccyx, and sacrotuberous ligament
- Insertion
- Iliotibial tract and gluteal tuberosity of the femur
- Action
- Extends and laterally rotates the thigh; upper fibres abduct; stabilises the extended knee via the IT tract
- Innervation
- Inferior gluteal nerve (L5, S1, S2)
- Blood supply
- Inferior and superior gluteal arteries
Frequently asked questions
What does the gluteus maximus do?
The gluteus maximus extends and laterally rotates the thigh; upper fibres abduct; stabilises the extended knee via the IT tract.
What nerve innervates the gluteus maximus?
The gluteus maximus is innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve (L5, S1, S2).
Where does the gluteus maximus attach?
The gluteus maximus originates from the posterior gluteal line of the ilium, dorsal sacrum and coccyx, and sacrotuberous ligament and inserts on the iliotibial tract and gluteal tuberosity of the femur.
What is the blood supply of the gluteus maximus?
The gluteus maximus is supplied by the inferior and superior gluteal arteries.