Takapuoli

Takapuoli is a Finnish term that refers to the buttocks—the rounded, fleshy region at the back of the pelvis. In everyday language it denotes the two buttocks and the surrounding tissue, and is used in both neutral and casual speech.

Anatomy: The buttocks consist mainly of the gluteal muscles—gluteus maximus, medius and minimus—lying over the pelvis and sacrum, covered by subcutaneous fat and skin. Nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue integrate the area, which varies in size and shape among individuals.

Function: The buttocks contribute to posture, balance and locomotion. The gluteus maximus powers hip extension, which is important for standing up, climbing and rising from a chair, while the gluteal muscles help stabilize the pelvis during walking and running. The region also provides cushioning when seated.

Health and medical notes: In medical contexts, issues affecting the buttocks can include muscular strain, injections into the gluteal region, cellulite, or fat distribution changes. Injections are typically given in the upper outer quadrant of the buttock to avoid the sciatic nerve.

Etymology and usage: The term takapuoli derives from taka- 'back' and puoli 'part' or 'side.' Synonyms range from formal anatomical terms such as perä to casual words such as pylly or peppu. The word is standard in Finnish dictionaries and widely understood in both health and colloquial contexts.