Bilspier

Bilspier is a Dutch term that literally translates to “buttock muscle” and is used in anatomy and everyday language to refer to muscles located in the gluteal region. In medical Dutch, bilspier can denote any muscle within the buttocks, but it most often concerns the gluteal muscle group, including the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus.

The gluteal muscles form the major muscle group in the buttocks. The gluteus maximus is the largest of these muscles and lies at the posterior hip. It extends the thigh, externally rotates the hip, and contributes to rising from a seated position, stair climbing, andmovement involving hip extension. The gluteus medius covers the lateral hip and primarily abducts the thigh while stabilizing the pelvis during gait; its anterior fibers also medially rotate the thigh. The gluteus minimus lies beneath the medius and assists in abduction and medial rotation. Together, these muscles support hip and pelvis function and interact with nearby structures such as the piriformis.

Innervation and blood supply are typical considerations: the gluteus medius and minimus are mainly served by the superior gluteal nerve (L4–S1), while the gluteus maximus is supplied by the inferior gluteal nerve (L5–S2). Blood supply comes from the superior and inferior gluteal arteries. Clinically relevant topics include gluteal strains, weakness or atrophy, injections into the gluteal region, and conditions like piriformis syndrome that affect the surrounding area.

See also: gluteal muscles, hip anatomy, gait and locomotion.