The gluteus maximus mainly extends the flexed thigh at the hip joint. Through its insertion into the iliotibial tract, it also stabilizes the knee and hip joints. It is innervated by the inferior gluteal nerve.
The tensor fasciae latae muscle is the most anterior of the superficial group of muscles in the gluteal region and overlies the gluteus minimus and the anterior part of the gluteus medius (Fig. 6.47).