Gluteus Maximus

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Gluteus Maximus

Anatomy

Origins and Insertions

This powerful muscle has a superficial and deep origin.

Superficial Fibres: Arise from the iliac crest, the posterior superior iliac spine, the thoracolumbar fascia, the cacrum and coccyx.

Deep Fibres: Arise from the Ala of the ilium behind the posterior gluteal line, from the sacrotuberal ligament and fascia of the sacrotuberous ligament and fascia of the gluteus medius (Aponeurosis glutealis).

The proximal part of the muscle inserts into the iliotibial tract. 

The distal part inserts into the gluteal tuberosity.

Innervation

Inferior Gluteal nerve L5-S2

Palpation

Please watch the following video to learn about palpation and stretching the gluteus maximus

Function

Its primary role is to extend and laterally rotate the hip.

It also prevents excessive anterior rotation of the pelvis and assists with the stability of the sacro-iliac joint by providing force closure for this joint. Gluteus maximus is part of the posterior sling of muscles.

Due to its insertion sites, it is able to act as an abductor as well as an adductor of the hip joint. The part that inserts into the fascia lata abducts, while the fibres that insert into the gluteal tuberosity serve to adduct the hip. 

Both glutei maximi may assist in the contraction of the external sphincter ani.

It is particularly active when climbing stairs, or when rising from sitting 

Recent research indicates that contraction of the deep abdominal muscles may assist with the contraction of gluteus maximus to assist with the control of anterior pelvic anterior rotation.

References

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