What region is the buttocks area? A Comprehensive Guide to the Gluteal Region

October 2, 2025 •

3 min read

Anatomically, the buttocks are a critical part of the human body, housing some of the largest and most powerful muscles, essential for both mobility and posture. So, what region is the buttocks area referred to in medical and scientific terms? This guide explains the full anatomical picture of this important region.

Quick Summary

The buttocks area is anatomically known as the gluteal region, consisting primarily of the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus muscles, along with nerves and ligaments vital for human movement, stability, and upright posture.

Key Points

Gluteal Region: The anatomical term for the buttocks area is the gluteal region, located on the posterior aspect of the pelvis.
Three Primary Muscles: It is primarily composed of three muscles: the gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus, each with specific functions.
Crucial for Movement: These muscles are essential for powerful hip movements, walking, running, and maintaining stability and balance.
Pelvic Stabilizers: The gluteus medius and minimus are key for stabilizing the pelvis when standing and walking, preventing it from dropping.
Posture and Back Health: A strong gluteal region contributes to good posture and helps prevent muscle imbalances that can cause lower back pain.
Nerve Pathways: The sciatic nerve, a major nerve of the lower body, passes through the gluteal region.

The Gluteal Region Defined

Scientifically known as the gluteal region, this area is located at the posterior aspect of the pelvis, between the trunk and the lower limbs. It is framed by key bony landmarks: the iliac crests superiorly, the intergluteal cleft centrally, and the gluteal folds inferiorly. This region is home to a complex network of muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and ligaments that facilitate movement and maintain balance.

The Three Gluteal Muscles

Gluteus Maximus

The most superficial and largest of the three gluteal muscles, the gluteus maximus is what gives the buttocks its distinct, rounded shape. It is a powerful muscle responsible for extending and laterally rotating the thigh at the hip joint. Its strength is crucial for forceful movements, such as standing up from a seated position, climbing stairs, and running. In a sitting position, it helps to balance the body and maintain an upright trunk.

Gluteus Medius

Positioned beneath the gluteus maximus, the gluteus medius is a broad, fan-shaped muscle that lies on the outer surface of the pelvis. It plays a critical role in stabilizing the pelvis during walking, preventing it from dropping to the opposite side when a person lifts one leg. Its primary actions are abducting and medially rotating the thigh at the hip joint.

Gluteus Minimus

The smallest and deepest of the gluteal muscles, the gluteus minimus is covered by the gluteus medius. It works in tandem with the gluteus medius to abduct and medially rotate the thigh and stabilize the pelvis. The combined effort of the medius and minimus is crucial for a smooth and stable gait.

Beyond the Muscles: Other Key Structures

Nerves: The sciatic nerve, the longest and widest nerve in the human body, passes deep within the gluteal region, beneath the piriformis and gluteus maximus muscles. It provides sensation and motor function to the lower limb. The superior and inferior gluteal nerves also innervate the gluteal muscles.
Blood Vessels: The superior and inferior gluteal arteries supply blood to this region, ensuring the muscles and tissues receive proper oxygen and nutrients.
Bursae: These are small, fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles. The trochanteric and ischial bursae are located in the gluteal region and can become inflamed, a condition known as bursitis.

The Functional Importance of the Gluteal Region

This anatomical area is more than just a muscle group for sitting. Its functions are fundamental to human biomechanics and health:

Pelvic Stability: The gluteal muscles are essential for maintaining a stable pelvis, which acts as a base of support for the spine and upper body.
Locomotion and Power: They generate the powerful movements required for walking, running, and jumping, propelling the body forward and upward.
Posture: Strong glutes contribute to good posture by supporting the trunk and preventing muscular imbalances that can lead to lower back pain.
Injury Prevention: Weak gluteal muscles can put additional stress on other areas, leading to issues like hamstring strains, knee problems, and lower back pain.

Comparison of Gluteal Muscles


Feature	Gluteus Maximus	Gluteus Medius	Gluteus Minimus
Size	Largest and most powerful	Medium-sized	Smallest of the three
Location	Most superficial	Located beneath the maximus	Deepest of the three
Primary Function	Hip extension and lateral rotation	Abduction and medial rotation of thigh	Abduction and medial rotation of thigh
Primary Role	Propulsion and power	Pelvic stabilization during gait	Pelvic stabilization during gait

Common Health Concerns in the Buttocks Area

Gluteal Amnesia: Also known as 'Dead Butt Syndrome', this condition arises from prolonged sitting, causing the gluteal muscles to become inactive and weaken. It can lead to pain and injury in other areas due to compensation.
Sciatica: Pain radiating down the leg due to compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, often caused by the piriformis muscle or a herniated disc.
Gluteal Tendinopathy: Inflammation and degeneration of the tendons connecting the gluteal muscles to the hip bone, leading to localized pain.
Trochanteric Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa over the bony prominence on the side of the hip, causing pain and tenderness.

The Takeaway: Beyond the Surface

Understanding the anatomical name and functions of this region underscores its importance beyond mere appearance. Strong, healthy glutes are foundational for a stable and active body. For more in-depth medical information on the gluteal muscles, consider consulting authoritative sources like the Cleveland Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary functions of the gluteal muscles include extending, abducting, and rotating the thigh at the hip joint, as well as stabilizing the pelvis during movement.

Yes, prolonged sitting can lead to a condition known as gluteal amnesia or "Dead Butt Syndrome," where the gluteal muscles become weak and underactive, leading to other musculoskeletal issues.

The gluteus maximus is the largest and most superficial of the three gluteal muscles, responsible for the bulk of the buttocks.

Sciatica is pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs through the gluteal region. The piriformis muscle, which is also located here, can sometimes put pressure on the nerve.

Effective exercises for strengthening the glutes include squats, lunges, glute bridges, and resistance band exercises, which help improve muscle activation and strength.

Both the gluteus medius and minimus function to abduct and stabilize the hip, but the medius is larger and more superficial, while the minimus is the smallest and deepest of the three.

The gluteal region is framed by the iliac crests (top of the hip bones) and the lower part of the pelvis, including the sacrum and coccyx.