Dominic Stone
The gluteal muscles, commonly called the glutes, are a group of three muscles that make up the gluteal region, otherwise known as the buttocks. These muscles are the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. The gluteus maximus is the largest and most superficial of the gluteal muscles, contributing significantly to the shape and appearance of the hips and buttocks. The gluteus medius and minimus lie underneath the gluteus maximus and play a crucial role in stabilising the pelvis and controlling lower body movements. Together, these gluteal muscles are among the largest and most powerful muscles in the human body, contributing to strength, balance, and dynamic movement capabilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main muscles | Gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus |
| Number of muscles | 3 |
| Muscle group | Gluteal muscles |
| Muscle shape | Fan-shaped (gluteus medius), quadrilateral (gluteus maximus) |
| Muscle size | Gluteus maximus is the largest, followed by gluteus medius, then gluteus minimus |
| Muscle function | Extension, abduction, external rotation, internal rotation of the hip joint, stabilisation, balancing, and control of lower body movements |
| Innervation | Inferior gluteal nerve (gluteus maximus), superior gluteal nerve (gluteus minimus) |
| Blood supply | Superior and inferior gluteal arteries, branches of the internal iliac artery |
| Exercises | Squats, deadlifts, lunges, hip thrusts, stair climbing, running, fencing, bicycling, rowing, arabesque, aerobics |
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What You'll Learn
The gluteus maximus is the largest gluteal muscle in the buttocks
The gluteal muscles, often referred to as the glutes, are a group of three muscles that make up the gluteal region, commonly known as the buttocks. These muscles include the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. The gluteus maximus is the largest and most superficial of the three gluteal muscles. It is also the biggest muscle in the human body.
The gluteus maximus is a thick, narrow, quadrilateral-shaped muscle that forms the prominence of the buttocks. It originates from the gluteal surface of the ilium, sacrum, and coccyx, with fibres sloping across the buttock at a 45-degree angle. The muscle then inserts onto the iliotibial tract and gluteal tuberosity of the femur. The gluteus maximus is responsible for extending the hip, rotating the leg outward, and moving the hip away from and towards the middle of the body. It is also involved in maintaining an upright posture by supporting the bony pelvis and trunk.
The gluteus maximus is a combination of fast-twitch muscle fibres, which are used for bursts of speed or power, and slow-twitch muscle fibres, which are active during aerobic activities. This mix of muscle fibres allows for a variety of exercises to target and strengthen the gluteus maximus, such as heavy-weight squats for fast-twitch muscles and endurance exercises like running for slow-twitch muscles.
The gluteus maximus plays a crucial role in stabilising the pelvis during locomotion, preventing the "dropping" of the pelvis. It is also one of the strongest muscles in the body, contributing significantly to an individual's strength and power. Well-developed gluteal muscles have long been associated with health, strength, and even sexual attractiveness.
In addition to its functional and aesthetic importance, the gluteus maximus can be susceptible to injuries such as strains and tears from overexercising or a lack of exercise. Conditions like deep gluteus maximus syndrome can cause pain in the buttocks when the sciatic nerve becomes entrapped in the gluteal space. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution and proper form when engaging in activities that involve the gluteus maximus.
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The gluteus medius is a broad, thick, radiating muscle
The gluteal muscles, commonly called glutes, are a group of three muscles that make up the gluteal region, commonly known as the buttocks. These muscles include the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. The gluteus medius is a broad, thick, radiating muscle, situated on the outer surface of the pelvis. It lies beneath the gluteus maximus, and its posterior third is covered by the gluteus maximus, while its anterior two-thirds are covered by the gluteal aponeurosis, which separates it from the superficial fascia and skin. The gluteus medius is fan-shaped and lies between the gluteus maximus and the minimus. It is similar in shape and function to the gluteus minimus.
The gluteus medius muscle originates from the gluteal surface of the ilium and inserts into the lateral surface of the greater trochanter. The gluteus medius is responsible for stabilizing the pelvis during locomotion, preventing the 'dropping' of the pelvis on the contralateral side. It also plays a role in balancing and controlling lower body movements and posture. When the gluteus medius is weak or injured, it can affect how you walk, sit, and stand.
The gluteus medius is one of the deeper muscles that assist the gluteus maximus in shaping the buttocks. The gluteus maximus is the largest and most superficial of the three gluteal muscles. It makes up a large part of the shape and appearance of the hips. It is a narrow and thick fleshy mass of a quadrilateral shape, and forms the prominence of the buttocks. The gluteus maximus is also the primary muscle responsible for extending and laterally rotating the hip, moving the hip towards and away from the middle of the body.
The gluteal muscles are among the largest and most powerful muscles in the body. They are well-developed in humans compared to other primates. The gluteus maximus, in particular, is approximately 1.6 times larger relative to body mass compared to chimpanzees. The bulk of the gluteal muscle mass contributes to the shape of the buttocks, along with the panniculus adiposus (fatty layer) of the buttocks, which gives the buttocks their characteristic rounded shape.
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The gluteus minimus is the smallest of the gluteal muscles
The gluteal region is an anatomical area located posteriorly to the pelvic girdle, at the proximal end of the femur. The muscles in this region move the lower limb at the hip joint. The gluteus minimus is the smallest of the three gluteal muscles. It is fan-shaped and is located just beneath the gluteus medius muscle. The gluteus medius is similar in shape and function to the gluteus minimus. Both muscles share the same nerve and blood supply.
The gluteus minimus muscle is composed of two distinct segments, the anterior and posterior, with two different roles. The anterior segment reduces the stresses on the hip anterosuperior structures, and the posterior segment stabilises the head of the femur. The gluteus minimus is a hip stabiliser and abductor of the hip. It acts in synergy with the gluteus medius to abduct and internally rotate the thigh. Its main action is hip abduction, which stabilises the pelvis during single-limb support in the gait. The gluteus minimus is activated on the supported side, preventing the pelvis from dropping on the opposite swing side.
Weakness in the gluteus minimus results in a trendelenburg gait, where the pelvis drops on the unsupported side. Tendinopathy of the gluteus minimus results in a condition known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). GTPS is characterised by lateral hip pain. The gluteus minimus is supplied by the superior gluteal artery, which arises from the posterior division of the internal iliac artery. The superior gluteal nerve innervates the gluteus minimus.
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The piriformis is the most superior of the deep muscles
The gluteal region is an anatomical area located posteriorly to the pelvic girdle, at the proximal end of the femur. The muscles in this region move the lower limb at the hip joint. The gluteal muscles can be divided into two groups: superficial abductors and extensors, and deep lateral rotators. The gluteus maximus is the largest of the gluteal muscles and is the most superficial, producing the shape of the buttocks.
The piriformis is a key landmark in the gluteal region. It is the most superior of the deep muscles. The piriformis muscle originates from the anterior surface of the sacrum and inserts onto the greater trochanter of the femur. The piriformis muscle is innervated by the piriformis nerve. It is one of the six muscles in the lateral rotator group, which also includes the gemellus superior, obturator internus, gemellus inferior, quadratus femoris, and obturator externus.
The piriformis muscle plays a crucial role in stabilising the hip joint and moving the thigh in various directions. It acts as an external (lateral) rotator of the thigh or as an abductor of the thigh, depending on the position of the leg. The piriformis also divides the gluteal region into superior and inferior parts, which helps determine the names of the vessels and nerves in the area. For example, the superior gluteal nerve and vessels emerge superiorly to the piriformis, while the inferior gluteal nerve and vessels emerge inferiorly.
The relationship between the piriformis and the sciatic nerve can vary among individuals. In most cases, the sciatic nerve leaves the bony pelvis via the greater sciatic foramen, below the piriformis. However, in some individuals, the piriformis muscle may be pierced by parts or all of the sciatic nerve. This variation can lead to piriformis syndrome, where the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated by the piriformis muscle, resulting in pain radiating into the lower extremity.
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The obturator internus forms the lateral walls of the pelvic cavity
The gluteal muscles, which form the buttocks, are a group of large muscles that abduct and extend the femur. These include the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. The gluteus maximus is the largest and most superficial muscle, producing the shape of the buttocks. It is responsible for extending the hip and rotating the leg outward.
The obturator internus is a deep muscle in the gluteal region that forms the lateral walls of the pelvic cavity. It is a bilateral-triangular-shaped muscle that originates from the pelvic bone and attaches to the greater trochanter of the femur. The obturator internus helps to externally rotate the femur during hip extension and abduct the femur during hip flexion. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in stabilising the femoral head within the acetabulum and supporting the urinary bladder as part of the pelvic floor.
The obturator internus arises from the pelvic surface of the obturator membrane, with fibres converging through the lesser sciatic foramen. These fibres form tendinous bands on the deep surface of the muscle, which are reflected over the grooved surface of the ischium. The obturator nerve passes superficially to the muscle, while the pudendal nerve traverses its lateral surface, and the sciatic nerve passes posteriorly.
The obturator internus is innervated by the obturator internus nerve (L5, S1, and S2). It receives its blood supply from branches of the obturator artery, the gluteal artery, and the pudendal artery. The obturator internus is susceptible to injury or weakening from posterior hip dislocations, as the bone can be driven back into the muscle. This muscle is also prone to strain in kicking sports, with initial complaints of groin pain.
In some anatomical texts, the obturator internus and the gemelli muscles are considered a single muscle, known as the triceps coxae. The obturator internus works synergistically with surrounding muscles to provide hip mobility and plays an important role in pelvic floor function.
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Frequently asked questions
The buttocks are formed by three muscles: the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus.
The gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in the body and is responsible for the shape of the buttocks. It extends the hip and rotates the leg outward.
The gluteus medius is a broad, thick muscle situated on the outer surface of the pelvis. It lies under the gluteus maximus and is responsible for stabilising the pelvis during locomotion.
The gluteus minimus is the smallest and deepest of the gluteal muscles. It is similar in shape and function to the gluteus medius and is responsible for abducting and medially rotating the lower limb.
Exercises such as lunges, hip thrusts, stair climbing, squats, and deadlifts are great for strengthening the gluteal muscles.
