Gluteus maximus: origin, insertion, action and innervation
The gluteus maximus arises from the back of the ilium, sacrum, coccyx and sacrotuberous ligament and inserts on the iliotibial tract and gluteal tuberosity of the femur. It extends and laterally rotates the hip and is supplied by the inferior gluteal nerve.
Quick answer
- Latin name
- Musculus gluteus maximus
- Origin
- Outer surface of the ilium behind the posterior gluteal line (hip bone), back of the sacrum and coccyx, sacrotuberous ligament
- Insertion
- Iliotibial tract and the gluteal tuberosity of the femur
- Action
- Extends the hip (especially from a flexed position) and rotates the thigh laterally; steadies the knee through the iliotibial tract
- Innervation
- Inferior gluteal nerve (L5–S2)
- Blood supply
- Superior and inferior gluteal arteries
The gluteus maximus is the largest and most superficial muscle of the buttock, and one of the strongest muscles in the body. It's what lets you climb stairs, stand up from a chair and run uphill.
Where it is
It covers the back of the pelvis and hip, over the smaller gluteus medius and minimus. Its thick, coarse fibres run down and outward from the pelvis to the upper thigh.
Origin and insertion
- Origin: the outer surface of the ilium behind the posterior gluteal line, the back of the sacrum and coccyx, and the sacrotuberous ligament.
- Insertion: most of the muscle (about three quarters) inserts on the iliotibial tract, a strong band of fascia on the outside of the thigh; the deeper lower fibres insert on the gluteal tuberosity of the femur.
What it does
- Hip extension: it straightens the hip, most powerfully from a flexed position: rising from a squat, climbing, running uphill. In quiet walking on flat ground it does little; the hamstrings handle most of the work.
- Lateral rotation of the thigh.
- Through the iliotibial tract, it helps steady the extended knee.
Innervation and blood supply
The inferior gluteal nerve (L5–S2) supplies it, leaving the pelvis below the piriformis. Blood comes from the superior and inferior gluteal arteries.
How to remember it
- Maximus = biggest and most superficial of the three glutes.
- "Stairs and squats": it works hardest when the hip starts bent.
- Maximus has the inferior gluteal nerve; medius and minimus share the superior one.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main action of the gluteus maximus?
Extension of the hip, especially from a flexed position, plus lateral rotation of the thigh.
Where does the gluteus maximus insert?
Mostly on the iliotibial tract, and partly on the gluteal tuberosity of the femur.
Which nerve supplies the gluteus maximus?
The inferior gluteal nerve, from L5 to S2.