Behinds

Behinds is a colloquial plural term for the buttocks, the paired rounded pads of muscle and fat on the posterior of the pelvis. In formal anatomy, these structures are part of the gluteal region.

Anatomy and function: The buttocks consist of skin, subcutaneous fat, and three gluteal muscles—the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus—anchored to the pelvis and femur by deep fascia. The gluteus maximus powers hip extension and outward rotation; the gluteus medius and minimus stabilize the pelvis during walking and assist with hip abduction. Together with connective tissue and skin, they contribute to the shape and contour of the buttocks and help absorb shock during locomotion.

Clinical and practical notes: The buttocks are a common site for intramuscular injections, but safe practice emphasizes using the upper outer quadrant of the gluteal region to minimize injury to nerves and vessels. The region is also evaluated in medical assessments related to hip mechanics, posture, and lower back pain.

Language and usage: The term behind is used both literally to refer to the rear of the body and metaphorically in phrases such as “behind the times” or “behind the scenes.” In medical and anatomical contexts, the formal term is gluteal; in everyday language, buttocks or behinds are common euphemisms or colloquial forms.

See also: gluteal muscles, buttock, posterior.