Overview
In cattle, as in the other ruminants, the gluteus superficialis does not exist as a separate muscle: it is fused with the biceps femoris and the two form the gluteobiceps (m. gluteobiceps). It corresponds to the cranial, vertebral part of that muscle, which arises from the sacrum. The model shows it as a piece of its own so it can be located, but in dissection it does not separate from the biceps.
Origin
Sacrum, broad sacrotuberous ligament and gluteal fascia.
Insertion
Together with the cranial part of the biceps femoris, on the fascia lata and, through it, the region of the patella.
Action
Together with the biceps femoris, extends the hip and abducts the pelvic limb.
Innervation
Caudal gluteal nerve (n. gluteus caudalis).