MEDIVEERSETHE PRACTICAL HUB
Locate gluteus maximus (cut) on this anatomical reference. Read the original plate labels to confirm the view and adjacent structures.
Zoom in, then drag to inspect. Keyboard: + / − to zoom, arrows to pan, 0 to reset. Tap the numbered markers to explore parts.
The left panel shows the superficial pelvic and thigh muscles, the center panel shows the deep pelvic and thigh muscles. The right panel shows the posterior view of the pelvic and thigh muscles.
Image: OpenStax / University of Hawaiʻi adapted teaching figures; original contributors credited at source · Source / original · CC BY 4.0 — figure credits at sourceNumbered markers and focused views are Mediveerse learning overlays; the original reference is linked above.
Gluteus maximus
Understand what you see.
Powerfully extends and laterally rotates hip, especially from flexion.
Zoom into the original labels. Practise pointing out each structure, then explain it aloud. Diagrams are teaching references; specimen appearance and slide staining vary.
How to recognise it.
- Large superficial buttock muscle
- Fibres run inferolaterally
- Inserts into iliotibial tract and gluteal tuberosity
Point them out.
Tap a number to open its reference, zoom in and locate the structure. Numbers stay the same across views. This key follows landmarks visible in the reference images.
Think first. Then reveal.
Say your answer aloud before opening the suggested response.
01How do you identify gluteus maximus?+
Large superficial buttock muscle. Fibres run inferolaterally. Inserts into iliotibial tract and gluteal tuberosity.
02Give its motor nerve.+
Inferior gluteal nerve, chiefly L5–S2.
03When is it particularly active?+
Rising from sitting, climbing and powerful hip extension; it is less continuously active during quiet standing.
04What is its main functional or developmental significance?+
Powerfully extends and laterally rotates hip, especially from flexion. Key structures to recognise: Iliotibial tract; Gluteal tuberosity; Inferior gluteal nerve.
Read the references.
Credited anatomical plates, microscopy and university teaching references. Individual image credits appear below the viewer. Historical plates can use older terminology; use the lesson text for current names.