gluteal

Gluteal is an anatomical term describing the buttocks area and its associated structures. It commonly refers to the gluteal muscles, but can also describe related tissues within the gluteal region. The term is derived from Latin gluteus, meaning buttock.

Anatomy and boundaries: The gluteal region lies on the posterior aspect of the pelvis and upper thigh. It is bounded by the iliac crest and sacrum above, the coccyx posteriorly, and the gluteal folds inferiorly. The major muscles of the gluteal region are the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. The tensor fasciae latae is functionally related and often discussed with the gluteal group. Gluteus maximus produces hip extension and external rotation; medius and minimus abduct and medially rotate the thigh and help stabilize the pelvis when walking.

Innervation and blood supply: The gluteal muscles receive innervation from the superior and inferior gluteal nerves. The superior gluteal nerve supplies gluteus medius and minimus, and tensor fasciae latae; the inferior gluteal nerve innervates gluteus maximus. Blood supply comes from the superior gluteal artery and the inferior gluteal artery, branches of the internal iliac artery.

Clinical relevance: Injections into the gluteal region have long been used for intramuscular medication; modern guidelines prefer the ventrogluteal site or other safe approaches to reduce the risk of sciatic nerve or vessel injury. Gluteal dysfunction, such as tendinopathy or weakness of the gluteus medius/minimus, can contribute to gait abnormalities and pelvic instability. The gluteal cleft marks the intergluteal space between the buttocks.

In other animals, gluteal muscles perform similar locomotor roles and share a comparable basic organization with humans.