The inferior gluteal veins are venae comitantes (accompanying veins) of the inferior gluteal artery. They originate from several smaller veins that drain the gluteal region and posterior thigh.

These veins arise in the upper part of the posterior thigh, forming an anastomotic network with the medial circumflex femoral veins (and occasionally with the lateral circumflex femoral veins). They pass between the greater trochanter of the femur and the ischial tuberosity, lying deep to the gluteus maximus muscle.

The inferior gluteal veins enter the pelvic cavity below the piriformis muscle via the greater sciatic foramen (more precisely, through the infrapiriform foramen, which is located between the piriformis and the superior gemellus). From there, they ascend along the posterior pelvic wall, running between the piriformis and coccygeus muscles. Along their course, they pass posterior to the internal pudendal vessels and anterior to the sacral plexus.

The inferior gluteal veins typically drain into the internal iliac vein, often merging to form a single trunk before entering it. They are accompanied by the inferior gluteal nerve, inferior gluteal artery, sciatic nerve, internal pudendal vessels, and posterior femoral cutaneous nerve.

Overall, the inferior gluteal veins drain the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscles of the buttocks and posterior thigh, including the gluteus maximus, piriformis, coccygeus, obturator internus, superior gemellus, inferior gemellus, quadratus femoris, and hamstring muscles.

Unlock with Premium

Inferior gluteal veins