The gluteal tuberosity is the lateral one of the three upward prolongations of the

linea aspera The linea aspera ( la, rough line) is a ridge of roughened surface on the posterior surface of the shaft of the femur. It is the site of attachments of muscles and the intermuscular septum. Its margins diverge above and below. The linea aspera ...

of the femur, extending to the base of the greater trochanter. It serves as the principal insertion site for the gluteus maximus muscle.

Structure

The gluteal tuberosity is the lateral prolongation of three prolongations of the linea aspera that extending superior-ward from the superior extremity of the

on the posterior surface of the femur. The gluteal tuberosity takes the form of either an elongated depression or a rough ridge. It extends from the linea aspera nearly vertically superior-ward to the base of the greater trochanter. Its superior part is often elongated to form a roughened crest, upon which a more or less prominent rounded tubercle - the

third trochanter In human anatomy, the third trochanter is a bony projection occasionally present on the proximal femur near the superior border of the gluteal tuberosity. When present, it is oblong, rounded, or conical in shape and sometimes continuous with the g ...

- is occasionally developed.

Attachments

The gluteal tuberosity is the principal site of insertion of the gluteus maximus muscle, accepting the muscle's tendon (the gluteus maximus muscle additionally also inserts onto the

iliotibial tract The iliotibial tract or iliotibial band (ITB; also known as Maissiat's band or the IT band) is a longitudinal fibrous reinforcement of the fascia lata. The action of the muscles associated with the ITB (tensor fasciae latae and some fibers of gl ...

References

Bones of the lower limb Femur {{musculoskeletal-stub