There are over 650 skeletal muscles in the human body. These muscles vary in size and shape, and work together to produce movement, maintain posture, and stabilize joints. Some of the largest skeletal muscles in the body include the gluteus maximus in the buttocks, the quadriceps in the thighs, and the latissimus dorsi in the back. The smallest skeletal muscles are found in the middle ear and are involved in the process of hearing.