Gluteus maximus

Gluteal surface of ilium, lumbar fascia, sacrum, sacrotuberous ligament

Gluteal tuberosity of the femur, iliotibial tract

When the gluteus maximus takes its fixed point from the pelvis, it extends the femur and brings the bent thigh into a line with the body.

Taking its fixed point from below, it acts upon the pelvis, supporting it and the trunk upon the head of the femur; this is especially obvious in standing on one leg.

Its most powerful action is to cause the body to regain the erect position after stooping, by drawing the pelvis backward, being assisted in this action by the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and adductor magnus.

The gluteus maximus is a tensor of the fascia lata, and by its connection with the iliotibial band steadies the femur on the articular surfaces of the tibia during standing, when the extensor muscles are relaxed.

The lower part of the muscle also acts as an adductor and external rotator of the limb.

inferior gluteal nerve (L5, S1, S2 nerve roots)

Superior and inferior gluteal arteries

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Bursae

Three bursae are usually found in relation with the deep surface of this muscle:

-One of these, of large size, and generally multilocular, separates it from the greater trochanter;

-a second, often wanting, is situated on the tuberosity of the ischium;

-a third is found between the tendon of the muscle and that of the vastus lateralis.