The gluteal muscles include the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae. The posterior group includes the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. Two muscles called the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus stabilizes the upper leg. The lateral rotators also oppose medial rotation by the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. With the hip extended, the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus externally rotate the thigh. Hip abduction is performed primarily by the hip abductors (gluteus medius and minimus). The medius and minimus sit under the largest butt muscle, the gluteus maximus. The nerve also courses between the gluteus medius and minimus. The posterior fibres of gluteus medius contract to produce hip extension, lateral rotation and abduction. Additionally, with the hip flexed, the gluteus medius and minimus internally rotate the thigh. The gluteus medius will become weak and inhibited. The gluteus medius, one of the three gluteal muscles, is a broad, thick, radiating muscle. There are several incisions, defined by their relation to the gluteus medius. The medius muscle is shaped like a cap. First element looks like Latin "medius" 'middle'.