Gluteus Maximus

Original Editor - Joanne Garvey

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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 sacrum and coccyx.

Deep Fibres: Arise from the wing of the ilium (ala) behind the posterior gluteal line, from the sacrotuberous ligament and thoracolumbar fascia, and the fascia of the gluteus medius (Aponeurosis glutaea).

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)

Further detailed anatomical description can be found at Prohealth (Gray's Anatomy).

Resourses

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References

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Palpation

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

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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 iliotibial tract 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 rotation.

Gluteal muscle weakness has been proposed to be associated with a number of lower limb injuries. Recent research indicates that effective exercise to specifically target the gluteus maximus muscle includes the single leg squat and the singe leg prone dead lift. These exercises elicited the most significant activity in electromyography (EMG) when tested against other forms of exercise.

Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)

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