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AnatomyBasicsTerminologyIntergluteal cleft
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AnatomyBasicsTerminologyIntergluteal cleft

Intergluteal cleft

Author: Nicola McLaren, MSc • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Body surface anatomy [29:07]
Body surface anatomy seen anteriorly and posteriorly.
Intergluteal cleft
Crena interglutealis
1/7
Synonyms: Anal cleft, Crena ani

The intergluteal cleft is a surface anatomy landmark of the pelvis and lower limb. It is the deep furrow or groove that lies between the two gluteal regions (commonly known as the buttocks). It extends from sacral level S3 or S4 and ends just inferior to the apex of the sacrum, at the level of the anus.

The superior tip of the intergluteal cleft forms the apex of the sacral triangle, another cutaneous surface anatomy landmark. The cleft also forms the posterior boundary of the perineum. The sacrum, sacral hiatus and the coccyx can all be palpated in the intergluteal cleft. The region is innervated with cutaneous sensation by the medial cluneal nerves (S1-S3 spinal levels).

Terminology English: Intergluteal cleft
Latin: Crena intergluteal
Synonym: Natal cleft
Definition Deep groove lying between the two buttocks. Extends from the 3rd or 4th sacral vertebrae to the anus.

Quiz yourself on the regions of the back and buttocks.

Learn more about basic surface anatomy with this study unit:

Body surface anatomy Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. (2017). Clinically oriented anatomy (8th ed.). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.

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