Gluteus Maximus

Gluteus Maximus is the largest and most superficial of the three gluteal muscles which form the rounded shape of the buttocks.

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.

Anatomy of the Gluteus Maximus

The gluteus maximus muscle is antagonist to the Iliacus, Psoas major, and Psoas minor.

The gluteus maximus is innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve and supplied by the superior and inferior gluteal arteries.

It arises from the posterior gluteal line of the 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 erector spinae, the sacrotuberous ligament, and the fascia covering the gluteus medius.

Functions of the Gluteus Maximus

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

It is used in the external rotation and extension of the hip joint and supports the extended knee through the iliotibial tract. It is also the chief antigravity muscle when sitting.

It’s 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. You will probably feel it working in the extension phase of walking upstairs.

Some of the best exercises to strengthen the gluteus maximus include squats, the gluteus maximus stretch and Hip extension using a resistance band.

The more common complication is Myofascial pain in the buttock muscles.

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