musclesgluteus

The gluteal muscles, commonly referred to as the glutes, form the muscular mass of the buttocks and play essential roles in hip movement and pelvis stabilization. The group consists of three primary muscles: gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. They originate chiefly from the ilium and sacrum and insert on the femur or the iliotibial tract, enabling movement and stability of the hip joint.

Gluteus maximus is the largest of the group. It originates from the posterior ilium, sacrum, coccyx, and adjacent ligaments, and inserts mainly on the iliotibial tract and the gluteal tuberosity of the femur. Its actions include extending the hip, laterally rotating the thigh, and helping to maintain upright posture. It is innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve (L5–S2) and supplied by the superior and inferior gluteal arteries.

Gluteus medius lies deep to the maximus, originating from the external surface of the ilium between the anterior and posterior gluteal lines and inserting on the greater trochanter. It abducts the thigh and medially rotates it; anterior fibers assist in flexion and medial rotation, while posterior fibers aid in extension and lateral rotation. It is innervated by the superior gluteal nerve (L4–S1) and supplied by the superior gluteal artery.

Gluteus minimus is situated deep to the medius, arising from the outer ilium and inserting on the anterior facet of the greater trochanter. It functions similarly to the medius, abducting the thigh and medially rotating it, and also stabilizes the pelvis during gait. Innervation and vascular supply match those of the medius.

Clinically, weakness can cause a Trendelenburg gait. Injections in the gluteal region are typically given in the upper outer quadrant to avoid nerves and vessels.