GLOSSARY

The gluteus maximus is the largest and one of the strongest muscles of the body, forming the shape of the buttock and acting as the main hip extensor; its large size in humans is linked to bipedal walking and running.

Attachments and Innervation

• Origin: the posterior surface of the ilium, the sacrum and coccyx, the thoracolumbar fascia, and the sacrotuberous ligament.
• Insertion: the iliotibial band (about three-quarters of the fibres) and the gluteal tuberosity of the femur.
• Nerve: the inferior gluteal nerve (L5–S2).

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