Question

The largest muscle in the human body is
A. Masseter
B. Sartorius
C. Stapedius
D. Gluteus

Answer 1

Hint: Muscle is a contractile tissue that is grouped into coordinated systems for greater efficiency. The largest muscle helps to extend and laterally rotate the hip joint.

Complete Answer:
- Muscles are the soft tissue which helps in the movement of the body.
- The three main types of muscles are striated muscles, cardiac and smooth muscles.
1) Smooth muscles are involved in involuntary controls and it is found in the walls of the blood vessels, intestines and urinary bladder.
2) Cardiac muscles are found in the region of the heart.
3) Striated muscles are seen in the skeletal regions.

- Generally, muscles provide flexibility, rotation, flexion and side bending.
- The masseter is involved in the chewing process. It connects the cheekbone with the lower jaw. It is considered to be the strongest muscle. Masseter muscle volume is around 22 $c{m}^3$.
- Sartorius muscle is the muscle found in the thighs. Its volume is around 126 $c{m}^3$. It stretches the anterior thigh region. It is the longest muscle in the body.
- Stapedius muscle is one of the skeletal muscles and the smallest muscle present in the ear. It measures about 6 mm in length.
- Gluteus is the largest muscle among the given options. The muscle volume of this muscle is around 760 $c{m}^3$. It is located in the back of the pelvis. It is involved in the flexion and extension of the hip and leg. It consists of three types namely gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and the gluteus minimus.

Hence, the answer is option (d) Gluteus.

Note: Gluteus is considered as the largest muscle in the human body. The gluteus maximus muscle helps to keep the upper part of the body in an erect (upright) position after bending or to walk upstairs without falling.