gluteus

superficial muscle of buttock; origin, ilium behind posterior gluteal line, posterior surface of sacrum and coccyx, and sacrotuberous ligament; insertion, iliotibial band of fascia lata (superficial three quarters) and gluteal ridge (deep inferior one quarter) of femur; action, extends thigh, especially from the flexed position, as in climbing stairs or rising from a sitting position; nerve supply, inferior gluteal.

Synonym(s): musculus gluteus maximus [TA]