Butts

Butts is a general term that can refer to two main things: the buttocks of a human or other animal, and the remaining end of a cigarette after it has been smoked. In anatomy, the buttocks form the posterior portion of the pelvis and are comprised of skin, subcutaneous fat, and the gluteal muscles. In everyday use, many people simply mean the butt when they say “butt.”

Anatomically, the buttocks house the gluteal muscle group, including the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus. The maximus is the largest muscle and acts mainly to extend the hip and stabilize the trunk, especially during standing and climbing. The medius and minimus lie deeper and assist with hip abduction and stabilizing the pelvis during walking. These muscles are supplied by the gluteal nerves and receive blood from the gluteal arteries. The size and shape of the buttocks vary with genetics, body fat distribution, age, and physical activity.

Health and fitness considerations focus on strength and flexibility of the gluteal muscles to support movement, posture, and reduce injury risk. Common concerns include gluteal tendinopathy, strains, and piriformis-related discomfort. Regular exercises such as squats, lunges, deadlifts, and bridges can improve strength and function, and proper form is important for preventing injury.

Cigarette butts, the other common sense of the term, are the residual filters from smoked cigarettes. They pose environmental hazards as litter and surface pollutants, with filters made of cellulose acetate that persist in ecosystems. They can contribute microplastics and pose fire risks. Disposal in trash is recommended; some regions discourage smoking in public spaces to reduce butt litter, and cleanup programs address their environmental impact.