The Anatomy of the Male Buttock

Description

Seen in posterior view, the paired buttocks form the surface contour of the gluteal region, with the intergluteal cleft running in the midline over the sacrum and coccyx. Superolaterally, the iliac crests and posterior superior iliac spines define the upper boundary of the gluteal area, while the gluteal fold (inferior gluteal crease) marks the inferior margin at the junction with the posterior thigh. The bulk and lateral sweep of each buttock correspond to gluteus maximus superficially, with the more cranial fullness reflecting the underlying gluteus medius over the ilium. Ischial tuberosities sit deep and inferomedial, closest to the medial aspect of the gluteal fold. Surface anatomy of the male buttock matters because clinicians rely on these landmarks for safe procedures and for interpreting pathology. The upper outer quadrant of the buttock is the preferred site for intramuscular injection to reduce risk to the sciatic nerve and superior gluteal neurovascular bundle, which lie deeper and more medial within the posterior pelvis and proximal thigh. Asymmetry or altered contour can also signal gluteus medius weakness with pelvic drop, post-traumatic hematoma, or local complications such as injection-site abscess. Small shifts in fold height and lateral fullness can be diagnostically informative. Use this artwork in gross anatomy and surface anatomy teaching, nursing skills manuals for dorsogluteal versus ventrogluteal injection site selection, and clinical reference pages discussing buttock pain patterns, sciatica differentials, and postoperative contour changes after hip surgery. It also suits patient-facing education on gluteal region care and pressure injury prevention in the posterior pelvis and upper thigh. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.