Gluteus Maximus (*Glutes)
Gluteal & Hip · Lower Limb
The gluteus maximus is the largest and most superficial of the gluteal muscles, and it gives the buttock its bulk and shape. It arises from a broad posterior region that includes the posterior gluteal line of the ilium, the posterior surface of the sacrum and coccyx, and the sacrotuberous ligament, and its fibres run downward and laterally to insert mainly into the iliotibial tract, with a deeper portion reaching the gluteal tuberosity of the femur. Its principal action is powerful extension of the hip, especially from a flexed position, along with lateral rotation and some assistance with abduction. This makes it the key muscle for rising from sitting, climbing stairs, and running rather than for quiet standing or level walking. It is supplied by the inferior gluteal nerve (L5, S1, S2).
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Posterior gluteal line of ilium, posterior sacrum and coccyx, sacrotuberous ligament
Insertion
Iliotibial tract (IT band) and gluteal tuberosity of femur
Action
Extension and lateral rotation of hip; assists abduction
Nerve
Inferior gluteal nerve (L5, S1, S2)
Attachments explained
The Gluteus Maximus (*Glutes) is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Posterior gluteal line of ilium, posterior sacrum and coccyx, sacrotuberous ligament
Insertion
Iliotibial tract (IT band) and gluteal tuberosity of femur
Action & function
When the Gluteus Maximus (*Glutes) contracts, it produces the following movements: Extension and lateral rotation of hip; assists abduction.
As part of the Gluteal & Hip group of the Lower Limb, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Gluteus Maximus (*Glutes) receives its nerve supply from the Inferior gluteal nerve (L5, S1, S2). This nerve carries fibres from spinal segment(s) L5, S1, S2.
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Inferior gluteal nerve or to its spinal roots (L5, S1, S2) can weaken or paralyse the Gluteus Maximus (*Glutes), impairing the movements it normally produces (extension and lateral rotation of hip). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Gluteus Maximus (*Glutes) (the OIANS method)
Learn the gluteus maximus as the muscle of forceful extension rather than everyday walking. Its fibres run obliquely from the sacrum and posterior ilium down to the iliotibial tract, so it is recruited when you stand up from a chair, climb, or sprint, all tasks that drive the flexed hip back into extension. Picturing that diagonal pull makes both its extension and its lateral rotation follow naturally.
Separate it from the smaller glutei by nerve and function. The gluteus maximus is the only gluteal muscle on the inferior gluteal nerve (L5, S1, S2), whereas medius and minimus share the superior gluteal nerve, and it is an extensor while they are abductors. Anchoring its insertion into the iliotibial tract also explains why it helps brace the extended knee.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Gluteus Maximus (*Glutes) located?
The Gluteus Maximus (*Glutes) is a muscle of the Gluteal & Hip group, located in the Lower Limb.
What is the origin of the Gluteus Maximus (*Glutes)?
Posterior gluteal line of ilium, posterior sacrum and coccyx, sacrotuberous ligament
What is the insertion of the Gluteus Maximus (*Glutes)?
Iliotibial tract (IT band) and gluteal tuberosity of femur
What movements does the Gluteus Maximus (*Glutes) produce?
Extension and lateral rotation of hip; assists abduction
What nerve supplies the Gluteus Maximus (*Glutes)?
Inferior gluteal nerve (L5, S1, S2)
Is the Gluteus Maximus (*Glutes) free to study in OIANS?
The Gluteus Maximus (*Glutes) is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Lower Limb is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
Study the Gluteus Maximus (*Glutes)
Test yourself on Lower Limb muscles with interactive quizzes and flashcards in the free OIANS app.
Quiz yourself → Flashcards Open the OIANS app
Browsing is always free. A one-time Lifetime unlock adds every region's quizzes, flashcards, progress tracking and explore tools.