What is the function of the gluteals?

• A. Flexion and internal rotation
• B. Extension and external rotation
• C. Abduction
• D. Extension

Answer: (B)

The gluteal muscles mainly move the hip into extension and rotate the thigh outward. The gluteus maximus is the primary hip extensor, providing the backward push you use when standing up, climbing, or pushing off, and its fibers also help rotate the thigh externally. While components of the group can assist with abduction (via the gluteus medius/minimus) or even internal rotation in certain positions, these are secondary to the main actions of extension and external rotation. So, extension with external rotation best captures the primary function of the gluteals. Extensions alone miss the rotational aspect, and flexion/internal rotation or pure abduction describe other actions not as central to the gluteal group.