Gluteal Group

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The Gluteal Group is composed of the following three muscles:

• Gluteus maximus
• Gluteus medius
• Gluteus minimus

ATTACHMENTS:

• The gluteus maximus attaches from the ilium, sacrum, and coccyx to the iliotibial band (ITB) and the gluteal tuberosity of the femur.
• The gluteus medius attaches from the external surface of the ilium to the greater trochanter of the femur.
• The gluteus minimus attaches from the external surface of the ilium to the greater trochanter of the femur.

ACTIONS:

• Extends the thigh at the hip joint (max, med, min).
• Laterally rotates the thigh at the hip joint (max, med, min).
• Abducts the thigh at the hip joint (max, med, min)
• Medially rotates the thigh at the hip joint (med, min).
• Flexes the thigh at the hip joint (med, min).
• Adducts the thigh at the hip joint (max).
• Contralaterally rotates the pelvis at the hip joint (max, med, min).
• Posteriorly tilts the pelvis at the hip joint (max, med, min).
• Anteriorly tilts the pelvis at the hip joint (med, min).

NOTES:

1. Generally, the gluteus maximus is the most superficial of the group, but the gluteus medius does have some superficial exposure in the lateral pelvis.
2. The gluteus minimus is nearly entirely deep to the gluteus medius.
3. The gluteus medius is sometimes referred to as the deltoid of the hip.