Glutes

Glutes (Gluteal Muscles)

The gluteal muscles, commonly known as "glutes," are the main muscles in your buttock area, located behind the pelvis. They consist of three primary muscles: the gluteus maximus (the largest and most superficial), gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus (the smallest and deepest). These muscles attach to and overlie the pelvic bones, particularly the ilium, and connect to the femur (thigh bone).

Your glutes play a critical role in stabilizing, balancing, and controlling lower body movements and posture. Their main functions include hip extension (moving the thigh backward, as in standing up, walking, running, and climbing stairs) and external rotation of the thigh. The gluteus medius and minimus also work together to abduct the thigh (move it away from the trunk) and rotate it inward and outward, as well as stabilizing the hips and pelvis during walking.