gluteus

Everyday

The gluteus is one of the three big muscles in each buttock (bottom) that help you stand up, walk, run and climb; the biggest is the gluteus maximus. tree →

In the lessons

In science and PE lessons, the gluteus maximus is often named as the biggest muscle in the human body, and «glutes» are worked by squats, running and climbing stairs. It is the polite medical word for bottom muscles. Common phrases: «gluteus maximus», «gluteus medius», «gluteus minimus», «glutes».

Examples

• The gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in the body. tree →
• Squats make your gluteus muscles stronger. tree →
• The PE teacher said, «Squeeze your glutes!». tree →
• The gluteus helps you climb stairs. tree →
• Our science poster showed the gluteus muscles in red. tree →
• Runners need strong glutes. tree →
• The nurse gave the injection in the gluteus muscle. tree →

Note

Plural: glutei (Latin), but everyday speech says «glutes». Say GLOO-tee-us. It is a polite, scientific word, not rude, though children often find «gluteus maximus» funny.