Gluteal muscle

Gluteal muscles are a group of three muscles which make up the buttocks: the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. The three muscles originate from the iliac bone and insert on the femur.

The gluteus maximus, with origins and insertions labeled.

Gluteus Maximus

The gluteus maximus is the largest of the gluteal muscles and one of the strongest muscles in the human body. It is responsible for movement of the hip and thigh, standing up from a sitting position, climbing stairs, and maintaining erect posture.

The gluteus medius and minimus, with origins and insertions labeled.

Gluteus Medius

The gluteus medius is a broad, thick, radiating muscle. It is situated on the outer surface of the pelvis. Its posterior third is covered by the gluteus maximus, its anterior two-thirds by the gluteal aponeurosis, which separates it from the superficial fascia and skin.

Gluteus Minimus

The gluteus minimus is the smallest of the three gluteal muscles and is situated immediately beneath the gluteus medius. It is fan-shaped, arising from the outer surface of the ilium, between the anterior and inferior gluteal lines, and behind, from the margin of the greater sciatic notch.

Clinical Significance

The gluteal muscles can be prone to strain or injury due to overuse or lack of flexibility. They are also a common site for intramuscular injection.

See Also

• Muscular system
• Hip joint
• Iliotibial tract