The 5 Main Muscles of Movement.
Anatomy in detail:
3. GLUTEUS MAXIMUS
The left and right gluteus maximus muscles are the largest skeletal muscles of the body, forming the superficial muscle layer of the buttocks.
gluteus maximus keeping it simple
Attachments Of The Gluteus Maximus.
The gluteus maximus muscles attach to multiple structures, many more than the current standard description covers.
Attachments:
- The ilium of the pelvis. Posterior to the posterior gluteal line (attaching to a narrow, semi-lunar area with a rough surface), and the posterior superior iliac crest.
- The sacrum (posterior inferior edge).
- The coccyx (lateral sides of the posterior surface).
- The aponeurotic fascia of the gluteus medius muscle.
- The sacrotuberous ligament (posterior surface).
- The tuberoiliac ligament (part of the long posterior (dorsal) sacroiliac ligament).
- The thoraco-lumbar fascia. (Through its attachment to the raphe of the thoracolumbar fascia, the gluteus maximus is coupled to the ipsilateral multifidus muscle and to the contralateral latissimus dorsi muscle.)
- The iliotibial tract. Three-quarters of the fibres form a superficial lamina (layer) which narrows and attaches between the two layers of the tensor fascia latae, forming part of the iliotibial tract. (a.k.a. iliotibial band.)
- Gluteal tuberosity of the femur. Via an aponeurosis (thin sheet of strong connective tissue) formed from the deeper muscle fibres. (The gluteus maximus attaches between the attachment sites of the vastus lateralis and adductor magnus).
Gluteus Maximus - Male And Female.
The shape of the gluteus maximus differs between male and female. The female pelvis is wider than the male, and thus the female gluteus maximus is also wider, and rounder in shape.
Anatomy Deep To The Gluteus Maximus.
The gluteus maximus muscles provide stability to the posterior pelvis and upper leg, and are important to prevent excess stress on other structures in the area.
A lot of complicated anatomy lies deep to the gluteus maximus. Several smaller muscles (including the piriformis, gluteus minimus and gluteus medius), and a complex web of connective tissues, which are prone to stress and pain when the gluteus maximus is not adequately utilised.
Working in conjunction with the rectus femoris at the anterior of the femur, the gluteus maximus and its vertically orientated attachment to the posterior femur (at the gluteal tuberosity), correctly positions the femur to the torso, connecting the legs to Base-Line support.
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