Muscle
Gluteus maximus
Large superficial muscle that drives hip extension
High-yield
Think of forceful hip extension, such as climbing a step. Its inferior gluteal nerve supply distinguishes it from gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and tensor fasciae latae, which receive the superior gluteal nerve.
Overview
Gluteus maximus forms much of the muscular bulk behind the hip. It links the back of the pelvis to both the femur and iliotibial tract, helping raise the trunk from a bent or seated position.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Posterior ilium behind the posterior gluteal line, dorsal sacrum and coccyx, with sacrotuberous ligament and adjacent fascial attachments
- Insertion
- Iliotibial tract and the femur's gluteal tuberosity; the balance of these attachments varies
- Action
- Extends and externally rotates the hip; upper fibers assist abduction, and tension through the iliotibial tract contributes to lower-limb stability
- Innervation
- Inferior gluteal nerve branches, carrying mainly L5-S2 fibers
- Blood supply
- Superior and inferior gluteal branches, with contribution from the proximal profunda femoris perforating network
Clinical correlation
Damage to the inferior gluteal nerve can weaken this muscle and make rising from a chair or climbing stairs difficult. Other muscles also extend the hip, so the functional loss depends on the injury and remaining muscle function.
Frequently asked questions
What does the gluteus maximus do?
Extends and externally rotates the hip; upper fibers assist abduction, and tension through the iliotibial tract contributes to lower-limb stability.
What nerve innervates the gluteus maximus?
Inferior gluteal nerve branches, carrying mainly L5-S2 fibers.
Where does the gluteus maximus attach?
Origin: Posterior ilium behind the posterior gluteal line, dorsal sacrum and coccyx, with sacrotuberous ligament and adjacent fascial attachments. Insertion: Iliotibial tract and the femur's gluteal tuberosity; the balance of these attachments varies.
What is the blood supply of the gluteus maximus?
Superior and inferior gluteal branches, with contribution from the proximal profunda femoris perforating network.