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gluteus maximus
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Illustration of the human muscular system from a side view, showing detailed muscles throughout the body with labels identifying major muscles in the head, torso, arms, and legs. Illustration of the human back showing labeled muscles including trapezius, deltoid, latissimus dorsi, erector spinae, rhomboids, and gluteus maximus, with detailed anatomical structure. Posterior anatomical illustration of the human muscular system showing major back, arm, and leg muscles labeled, including trapezius, latissimus dorsi, gluteus maximus, and gastrocnemius. Posterior anatomical illustration of the right leg showing muscles and the sciatic nerve branching from the sacral plexus, with labeled nerves, muscles, and tendons throughout the thigh and calf.
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gluteus maximus

anatomy
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Illustration of the human muscular system from a side view, showing detailed muscles throughout the body with labels identifying major muscles in the head, torso, arms, and legs.
Human muscular system Lateral view of the human muscular system.

The gluteus maximus is the largest and outermost muscle of the three gluteal muscles in the human buttocks. It originates from the pelvic girdle (hipbone), sacrum, and coccyx, and attaches to the femur (thighbone) and the iliotibial tract.12

The primary actions of the gluteus maximus are extending the thigh, which is crucial for movements like rising from a seated position, running, and climbing. It also plays a role in rotating the thigh outward. The other gluteal muscles, the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus, are located beneath the gluteus maximus and are responsible for abducting (moving away from the body's midline) and rotating the thigh.1

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