The gluteus medius and minimus muscles abduct the lower limb at the hip joint and reduce pelvic drop over the opposite swing limb during walking by securing the position of the pelvis on the stance limb (Fig. 6.45B). Both muscles are innervated by the superior gluteal nerve.
The gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in the gluteal region and overlies most of the other gluteal muscles (Fig. 6.46).