- Click here for access to the full Anatomy Glossary.
- Right click on the image for a downloadable file of this muscle.
- Use of this artwork requires proper credit to be given (Permission: Dr. Joe Muscolino. www.learnmuscles.com – art work Giovanni Rimasti)
The Gluteal Group is composed of the following three muscles:
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:
- Generally, the gluteus maximus is the most superficial of the group, but the gluteus medius does have some superficial exposure in the lateral pelvis.
- The gluteus minimus is nearly entirely deep to the gluteus medius.
- The gluteus medius is sometimes referred to as the deltoid of the hip.