06/02/2026
The gluteal region is much more than just the gluteus maximus. Beneath the surface lies a complex network of muscles and nerves that play an essential role in hip stability, movement, and lower extremity function.
The large superficial muscle shown here is the gluteus maximus, which primarily contributes to hip extension and external rotation. Beneath it sit the gluteus medius and minimus, which help stabilize the pelvis during walking, running, and single-leg activities.
Deeper still are the six short external rotator muscles of the hip: the piriformis, superior gemellus, obturator internus, inferior gemellus, obturator externus, and quadratus femoris. These muscles act together to provide dynamic stability to the hip joint while assisting with rotation and controlling femoral movement during functional activities.
One of the most important structures in this region is the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. It exits the pelvis and typically travels beneath the piriformis muscle before descending through the posterior hip and thigh. The sciatic nerve supplies motor and sensory function to much of the lower extremity, making it a clinically important structure in conditions involving buttock pain, posterior thigh pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Shout out to experience anatomy for this awesome visual
