The superior gluteal veins are venae comitantes (accompanying veins) of the superior gluteal artery. They arise from several smaller veins that drain the gluteal region of the body.

These veins enter the pelvic cavity via the suprapiriform foramen, which is a small opening located above the piriformis muscle (Read more!). Then, they travel along the posterior pelvic wall to terminate in the internal iliac vein (Read more!). Before draining into the internal iliac vein, these veins often unite to form a single trunk.

The superior gluteal veins run in close proximity to the obturator nerves and pass between the lumbosacral trunk and the first sacral nerve root, accompanying the superior gluteal artery.

Overall, these veins drain blood from the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fasciae latae, obturator internus, and piriformis muscles. They also collect deoxygenated blood from the hip joint and ilium.

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Superior gluteal veins