Gluteus Maximus Flashcards
What movements does the gluteus maximus contribute to?
The gluteus maximus contributes to hip extension and is the chief anti-gravity muscle in sitting and standing on one leg. It also contributes to abduction and external rotation of the thigh relative to the hip.
Which nerve innervates the gluteus maximus?
The gluteus maximus is innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve (L5, S1 and S2).
Where does the gluteus maximus originate and insert?
The gluteus maximus arises from the posterior gluteal line of the inner upper ilium; from the posterior surface of the lower part of the sacrum and the side of the coccyx; from the aponeurosis of the erector spinae, the sacrotuberous ligament, and fascia covering the gluteus medius (gluteal aponeurosis).
The fibers forming the upper and larger portion of the muscle, together with the superficial fibers of the lower portion, end in a thick, tendinous lamina, which passes across the great trochanter and inserts into the iliotibial band of the fascia lata.
The deeper fibers of the lower portion of the muscle are inserted into the gluteal tuberosity between the vastus lateralis and adductor magnus.
