Type: Muscles of the rump/croup — main extensors of the hip.

4 Gluteals in Ox:
1. Superficial Gluteus — small in ox; often partly fused with biceps femoris ('gluteobiceps').
2. Middle Gluteus — LARGEST and most powerful; on top of croup.
3. Deep Gluteus — under middle gluteus.
4. Accessory Gluteus — slip of middle gluteus.

Insertion: Greater Trochanter of femur (Middle gluteus to top, deep to a separate facet).

Function: EXTEND the hip joint = propel the body forward (powerful kick / jump).

Nerve: Cranial & Caudal Gluteal nerves.

GLUTEAL MUSCLES — POWER OF THE HINDLIMB

The gluteals are the main extensors of the hip (= they push the body forward). They sit on the croup (rump).

1. Superficial Gluteus: Small in ox. Often fuses with the cranial part of biceps femoris to form a combined muscle called the gluteobiceps. (In horse it has the unique third trochanter as its insertion point.)

2. Middle Gluteus: THE BIGGEST muscle of the rump and the most powerful extensor of the hip in domestic animals. It originates from the gluteal surface of ilium and inserts on the greater trochanter of femur. The 'beef rump' you eat is mostly middle gluteus.

3. Deep Gluteus: Lies under the middle gluteus; works together with it.

4. Accessory Gluteus: A slip of middle gluteus on the lateral side.

FUNCTION:
• Strong extension of hip joint → push-off in walking/running, kicking, jumping.
• Abduct the limb (move it sideways).

NERVE SUPPLY:
• Cranial Gluteal Nerve — to middle and deep gluteus, tensor fasciae latae.
• Caudal Gluteal Nerve — to superficial gluteus.
(Both branches arise from the lumbosacral plexus.)

BUTCHER'S CUT: The 'top round' / 'rump steak' is essentially middle gluteus.