The gluteus maximus is the main extensor muscle of the hip in humans. It is the largest and outermost of the three gluteal muscles and makes up a large part of the shape and appearance of each side of the hips. It is the single largest muscle in the human body. Its thick fleshy mass, in a quadrilateral shape, forms the prominence of the buttocks. The other gluteal muscles are the medius and minimus, and sometimes informally these are collectively referred to as the glutes.
An Ancient Greek javelin thrower represented on a vase, c.520 B.C.
Image: Unilateral barbell back squat squatting
Image: Unilateral barbell back squat standing
The gluteal muscles, often called glutes, are a group of three muscles which make up the gluteal region commonly known as the buttocks: the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. The three muscles originate from the ilium and sacrum and insert on the femur. The functions of the muscles include extension, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation of the hip joint.
An Ancient Greek athlete using a strigil, which is a device used for cleaning off oil and dirt
Ancient Greek sprinters, c. 530 B.C.
The large glutes and muscular proportions of this heavyweight boxer demonstrate the 20th Century revival of historical training focuses
Modern sprinters, 2017
