View source for Gluteus maximus muscle

{{Muscle infobox |
  Name         = Gluteus maximus |
  Latin        = musculus gluteus maximus |
  GraySubject  = 128 |
  GrayPage     = 474 |
  Image        = Posterior Hip Muscles 3.PNG |
  Caption      = The gluteus medius and nearby muscles |
  Image2       = Gray344.png |
  Caption2     = Structures surrounding right [[hip-joint]]. (Gluteus maximus visible at bottom.) |
  Origin       = Gluteal surface of [[ilium (bone)|ilium]], [[lumbar fascia]], [[sacrum]], [[sacrotuberous ligament]]|
  Insertion    = [[Gluteal tuberosity]] of the [[femur]], [[iliotibial tract]]|
  Blood        = [[superior gluteal artery|superior]] and [[inferior gluteal artery|inferior gluteal arteries]] |
  Nerve        = [[inferior gluteal nerve]] (L5, S1, S2 nerve roots) |
  Action       = [[external rotation]] and [[Extension (kinesiology)|extension]] of the [[hip joint]], supports the extended [[knee]] through the [[iliotibial tract]], chief antigravity muscle in [[sitting]] |
  Antagonist   = [[Iliacus muscle|Iliacus]], [[Psoas major muscle|Psoas major]], [[Psoas minor]] |
  MeshName     = |
  MeshNumber   = |
  DorlandsPre  = m_22 |
  DorlandsSuf  = 12549211  |
}}

==Overview==
The '''gluteus maximus''' is the largest and most [[superficial]] of the three [[gluteal muscles]]. It makes up a large portion of the shape and appearance of the [[buttocks]].

It is a broad and thick fleshy mass of a quadrilateral shape, and forms the prominence of the [[nates]]. 

Its large size is one of the most characteristic features of the muscular system in humans, connected as it is with the power of maintaining the trunk in the erect posture. 

The muscle is remarkably coarse in structure, being made up of fasciculi lying parallel with one another and collected together into large bundles separated by fibrous septa. 

==Origin and insertion==

[[Image:Gluteus maximus muscle.PNG|thumb|200px|left|Muscles of the gluteal and posterior femoral regions, showing origin and insertion of gluteus maximus muscle.]]

It arises from the posterior gluteal line of the [[ilium (bone)|ilium]], and the rough portion of bone including the crest, immediately above and behind it; from the posterior surface of the lower part of the [[sacrum]] and the side of the [[coccyx]]; from the aponeurosis of the [[sacrospinalis]], the sacrotuberous ligament, and the fascia (gluteal aponeurosis) covering the [[gluteus medius]]. 

The fibers are directed obliquely downward and lateralward; 
* those forming the lower 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 [[greater trochanter]], and is inserted 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]].

The gluteus maximus is also a main muscle used in many sports such as volleyball, hockey, basketball, soccer, and football.

==Bursae==
Three [[Bursa (anatomy)|bursae]] are usually found in relation with the deep surface of this muscle:
* One of these, of large size, and generally [[multilocular]], separates it from the [[greater trochanter]]; 
* a second, often wanting, is situated on the tuberosity of the [[ischium]]; 
* a third is found between the tendon of the muscle and that of the [[vastus lateralis]].

==Actions==
When the gluteus maximus takes its fixed point from the pelvis, it extends the [[femur]] and brings the bent [[thigh]] into a line with the body. 

Taking its fixed point from below, it acts upon the [[pelvis]], supporting it and the trunk upon the head of the femur; this is especially obvious in standing on one leg. 

Its most powerful action is to cause the body to regain the erect position after stooping, by drawing the pelvis backward, being assisted in this action by the [[biceps femoris]], [[semitendinosus]], [[semimembranosus]], and [[adductor magnus]]. 

The gluteus maximus is a tensor of the [[fascia lata]], and by its connection with the [[iliotibial band]] steadies the femur on the articular surfaces of the [[tibia]] during standing, when the extensor muscles are relaxed. 

The lower part of the muscle also acts as an [[adductor]] and [[external rotator]] of the limb.

==See also==
*[[Table of muscles of the human body]]

==External links==
* {{GPnotebook|-208011185}}
* {{MuscleLoyola|glmx}}
* {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|13|st|04|03}}
* {{ViennaCrossSection|pelvis/pelvis-female-17}}
* {{ViennaCrossSection|pelvis/pelvis-e12-15}}
* {{ViennaCrossSection|pembody/body18b}}

{{Gray's}}

{{Muscles of lower limb}}

[[Category:Muscles of the gluteus]]

[[cs:Velký sval hýžďový]]
[[de:Musculus gluteus maximus]]
[[es:Glúteo mayor]]
[[he:שריר העכוז הגדול]]
[[ja:大殿筋]]
[[fi:Pakaralihas]]
[[sv:Gluteus maximus]]
[[pl:Mięsień pośladkowy wielki]]
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