Video - Vessels and nerves of the gluteal region and posterior thigh

The gluteal region and posterior thigh contain various blood vessels and nerves that supply the muscles, bones, and skin of the region.

The main artery in the gluteal region is the internal iliac artery, which gives off branches, namely the superior gluteal artery, inferior gluteal artery, and internal pudendal artery. The veins accompany the arteries and drain blood from the tissues. Major veins in the region include the superior and inferior gluteal veins, the internal pudendal veins, and the perforating veins.

The sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, runs through the posterior thigh, supplying the posterior thigh muscles, all leg and foot muscles, and the skin of most of the leg and foot. The gluteal region and posterior thigh also contain other nerves, including the pudendal nerve and the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve. The pudendal nerve supplies the perineum and external genitalia, while the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve supplies the skin on the back of the thigh and the lower part of the buttocks.