Gluteus maximus muscle

Synonyms

German: gluteal muscles

• to the thigh muscles overview
• to the musculature overview

introduction

The gluteus maximus takes its 16 cm long and 4 cm wide origin from the back surface of the ilium and acts in alternation with the iliopsoas muscle when walking upright. While the iliopsoas contracts when the hip joint is flexed, the gluteus maximus muscle is stressed during the stretching movement.

additional Information:

• hip
• Hip osteoarthritis
• Hip prosthesis

Illustration gluteus maximus muscle

Gluteus greater
(Gluteus maximus muscle)

1. Gluteus Muscle -
   Gluteus maximus muscle
2. Thigh shaft -
   Corpus femoris
3. Roughness for the approach
   of the gluteus muscle -
   Gluteal tuberosity
4. Femoral head -
   Head femoris
5. Iliac scoop -
   Ala ossis ilii
6. Iliac crest -
   Iliac crest
7. Sacrum -
   Sacrum
8. Tailbone - Os coccygis

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations

Approach, origin, innervation

Approach:

Roughness of the lateral lip of the femur (Tuberoitas glutaea femoris)

Origin:

• Iliac blade posterior surface (Thoracolumbar fascia)
• Dorsal surface of the sacrum-ischial tuberosity ligament (Sacrotuberous ligament)

Innervation: N. gluteus inf.

How is the muscle trained / contracted?

Due to its multitude of functions, the gluteus maximus can be contracted through numerous forms of exercise. The most common exercises include:

• Leg press
• Squats
• Abductor machine
• Hip trainer

For more information, see Weight Training

How is the gluteus maximus muscle stretched?

In order to specifically stretch the gluteus maximus muscle, the athlete stands on one leg and tries to pull the thigh to the stomach. The knees are covered by the hands.

For the latest scientific research on this topic, see stretching

function

The function of the gluteus muscle is to forcefully stretch the hip joint. This is done when straightening up from a crouch, when walking, etc. Due to the attachment to the thigh bandage, he is also able to stretch the lower leg in the knee joint. When the upper body is bent forward, the large gluteal muscle prevents falling through strong contraction. In addition, it partially takes on the function of adduction and external rotation in the hip joint.