The most superficial muscle of the croup. It is V-shaped, and situated immediately beneath the gluteal fascia.

Origin. - By its anterior arm from the point of the ilium or haunch-bone. By its posterior arm from the gluteal fascia. Passing downward these two branches converge and unite.

Insertion. - Into the trochanter minor externus, a bony prominence on the outer nice of the thioh-bone.

Action. - To abduct or draw the thigh outward.