Gluteal Region Anatomy Quiz

The gluteal region is the transitional area between the trunk and the lower limb.

The superior boundary of the gluteal region is the iliac crest.

The medial boundary of the gluteal region is the intergluteal cleft.

The inferior boundary of the gluteal region is the skin fold underlying the buttock, known as the gluteal fold.

The gluteal region contains muscles, blood vessels, and nerves.

The three glutei muscles (Gluteus Maximus, Medius, and Minimus), Tensor fasciae latae, piriformis, quadratus femoris, obturator internus, and two gemelli are all located in the gluteal region.

The superficial group of gluteal muscles consists of Gluteus Maximus, Gluteus Medius, Gluteus Minimus, and Tensor Fasciae Latae.

The deep group of gluteal muscles consists of Piriformis, Obturator Internus, Superior Gemellus, Inferior Gemellus, and Quadratus Femoris.

The superior gluteal nerve (L4,5,S1) passes above the piriformis muscle through the greater sciatic foramen, supplying the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae muscles.

The inferior gluteal nerve (L5,S1,2) passes below the piriformis muscle through the greater sciatic foramen, supplying the gluteus maximus muscle.

The sciatic nerve (L4,5,S1,2,3) is the largest nerve in the body and passes through the greater sciatic foramen, inferior to the piriformis muscle.

The sciatic nerve supplies all the muscles in the posterior thigh, as well as those that control ankle and foot movements.

The sciatic nerve descends between the deep and superficial groups of gluteal muscles before entering the posterior thigh.

A large, powerful muscle that allows for extension, external rotation and abduction of the hip joint.

This muscle is located beneath the Gluteus Maximus and assists in hip abduction and medial rotation.

This muscle lies beneath the Gluteus Medius and is a key player in the hip's abduction and medial rotation.

This band of tissue is a powerful extensor and stabilizer of the knee.

This nerve supplies the Gluteus Maximus, Gluteus Medius, Gluteus Minimus, and Tensor Fasciae Latae.

This nerve supplies the Piriformis, Obturator Internus, Superior Gemellus, Inferior Gemellus, and Quadratus Femoris muscles.

Originates in the pelvic cavity and supplies blood to the Gluteus Maximus, Gluteus Medius, and Gluteus Minimus.

Originates in the pelvic cavity and supplies blood to the Piriformis, Obturator Internus, Superior Gemellus, Inferior Gemellus, and Quadratus Femoris.

This muscle is involved in external rotation and abduction of the hip.

This muscle helps with medial rotation of the femur.

The nerve to the obturator internus (L5,S1) enters the gluteal region through the greater sciatic foramen, lies inferior to the piriformis muscle, and passes between the posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh and the pudendal nerve. It supplies a small branch to the gemellus superior and then passes over the ischial spine and through the lesser sciatic foramen to innervate the obturator internus muscle.

The nerve to the quadratus femoris (L5,S1) enters the gluteal region through the greater sciatic foramen, lying inferior to the piriformis muscle and deep to the sciatic nerve. Unlike other nerves in the gluteal region, it lies anterior to the plane of the deep muscles. It penetrates and innervates the quadratus femoris and gives a small branch to the gemellus inferior.

The posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh (S1,2,3) enters the gluteal region through the greater sciatic foramen, passing inferior to the piriformis muscle and immediately medial to the sciatic nerve. It supplies more skin than any other cutaneous nerve, providing branches to the buttock, perineum, posterior thigh, and proximal leg.

The pudendal nerve (S2,3,4) enters the gluteal region through the greater sciatic foramen, lying inferior to the piriformis muscle and medial to the sciatic nerve. It passes over the sacrospinous ligament and immediately passes through the lesser sciatic foramen to enter the perineum. This nerve is the major somatic nerve of the perineum and has no branches in the gluteal region.

The greater sciatic foramen is formed on the posterolateral pelvic wall, serving as the major route for structures passing between the pelvis and the gluteal region of the lower limb. The margins of the foramen are formed by the greater sciatic notch, parts of the upper borders of the sacrospinous and sacrotuberous ligaments, and the lateral border of the sacrum.

The lesser sciatic foramen is located inferior to the greater sciatic foramen on the posterolateral pelvic wall, also lying inferior to the lateral attachment of the pelvic floor. It connects the gluteal region with the perineum.

Structures passing through the greater sciatic foramen include: the piriformis muscle, superior and inferior gluteal nerves and vessels, sciatic nerve, pudendal nerve, internal pudendal vessels, posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh, nerve to the obturator internus, and nerve to the quadratus femoris.

Structures passing through the lesser sciatic foramen include: the tendon of the obturator internus, the pudendal nerve, and internal pudendal vessels.

The greater sciatic foramen is a large opening in the pelvis, while the lesser sciatic foramen is a smaller opening located inferior to it. Both foramina allow for structures to pass between the pelvis and the lower limb.