Gluteus+Maximus


 * Author:**Nkululeko Cele

toc =Description = The gluteus maximus muscle is flat and broad and is generally quadrilateral shape. It is located in the gluteal region. This muscle originate from the posterior aspect of dorsal ilium posterior to posterior gluteal line, posterior superior iliac crest, posterior inferior aspect of sacrum, coccyx,and sacrotuberous ligament. Gluteus maximus muscle runs obliquely downward and lateralward to insert onto the gluteal tuberosity of the femur and the iliotibal tract of fascia lata. It extends the femur at the hip and laterally rotates the extended hip. The upper and middle third sections of the muscle are abductors. This muscle is innervated by inferior gluteal nerve (L5, S1 and S2). Its blood supply is from the inferior and superior gluteal arteries and the first perforating branch of the profunda femoris artery. = = =Interactions and relations to other Muscles = The muscles found in the gluteal region are gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, piriformis, gemellus superior, obturator internus, gemellus inferior, obturator externus and quadratus femoris. The functions of the muscles of the gluteal region are to extend, abduct, laterally rotate and slightly rotate the hip joint medially. The gluteus maximus covers all these muscles. On the lateral side of the gluteal region, is the tensor fascia latae. The alignment of the hip is supported by the actions of other muscles that result from the engagement of the gluteus muscle.

=Relevance to Occupational Therapy = = = Occupational therapists work with the clients who are on wheelchairs which involves sitting down all the time and might cause pains in the gluteus maximus due to decreased circulation and sensation depending on the injury. They also work with tetraplegic patients who are paralysed from neck down to the spine and that cause them to sit on a wheelchair for the rest of their lives. In this case the OT would supply specialised cushions to patients to prevent pressure sores. When applying therapy to people who are old they invest games that will involve moving all the limbs of the body like kicking a ball or dancing to a song, and in this way the gluteus maximus interacts with other muscle to produce hip movements such as hip extension. = = =Links to online interactive material = =media type="youtube" key="q2wOWCH9kV8" height="315" width="560"=

media type="youtube" key="XVVdfTL2S3M" height="315" width="560" =References= [] [] [] Gray's Atlas of Anatomy