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