Gluteus Maximus

Musculus gluteus maximus

Lower Body Lower BodyGlutesPosterior ChainHinge

The gluteus maximus is the largest and most superficial gluteal muscle and the primary engine of hip extension. It is heavily recruited in hip hinges and deep squats: deadlifts, hip thrusts, Romanian deadlifts, and Bulgarian split squats are its bread-and-butter movements. Because it powers explosive triple extension, it is critical for sprinting, jumping, and overall lower-body strength and power.

Actions

Hip extension, Hip external rotation, Hip abduction (upper fibers), Hip adduction (lower fibers), Trunk extension, Knee stabilization via IT tract

Origin

Posterior gluteal line of the ilium, posterolateral surface of the sacrum and coccyx, sacrotuberous ligament, and thoracolumbar fascia / gluteal aponeurosis

Insertion

Iliotibial tract (upper fibers) and gluteal tuberosity of the femur (lower deep fibers)

Innervation

Inferior gluteal nerve (L5-S2)

Blood supply

Inferior gluteal artery and superior gluteal artery

Wikipedia ↗

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