Gluteal Region

Summary:

This Gluteal Region note is from a lecture on the gluteal region (buttock) anatomy. The gluteal region extends from the iliac crest to the gluteal fold. It is characterized by the presence of the gluteus maximus muscle, the gluteal sulcus/crease, and the natal (intergluteal) cleft.

The superficial fascia in the gluteal region is thick and contains a significant amount of fat, giving the buttock its convex shape and providing cushioning over the ischial tuberosity. Various cutaneous nerves innervate the region, and perforating branches of the superior and inferior gluteal arteries provide the blood supply.

The deep fascia in the gluteal region is a continuation of the fascia lata and helps stabilize the sacrum and merge with the iliotibial tract. The region contains bones, ligaments, muscles, vessels, and nerves.

The muscles in the gluteal region include the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fascia lata, piriformis, superior and inferior gemellus, obturator internus, and quadratus femoris. Each muscle has its origin, insertion, nerve supply, and specific actions.

The nerves in the gluteal region include the sciatic nerve, posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh, superior gluteal nerve, inferior gluteal nerve, nerve to quadratus femoris, and pudendal nerve. The arterial supply is provided by the superior and inferior gluteal arteries, as well as branches from the femoral and profunda femoris arteries.

Various clinical conditions related to the gluteal region were also discussed, such as post-injection paralysis, Trendelenburg test, piriformis syndrome, trochanteric bursitis, and poliomyelitis affecting the gluteus medius and minimus muscles.

Overall, the lecture provided an in-depth understanding of the anatomical structures and clinical significance of the gluteal region, offering valuable insights into this important body area.

Excerpt:

Gluteal Region

• It is the region behind the pelvis, extending from the iliac crest superiorly to the gluteal fold (the fold of the buttock) inferiorly
• Gluteal fold indicates the lower border of the gluteus Maximus muscle (gluteal sulcus/crease is a skin crease for the hip joint)
• A deep midline groove, the natal (intergluteal) cleft, separates the buttocks from each other