Inferior gluteal vein

Looks like

Veins running with the inferior gluteal artery under the gluteus maximus, entering the pelvis below the piriformis.

What it does

Drain the lower buttock and back of the thigh into the internal iliac vein.

Keeping it well

Rarely a problem; they are part of the pelvic network that may carry varicose veins down into the leg.

Related conditions

• Bone metastases and spinal cord compression
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Clotting disorders (thrombophilia & APS)
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Prostate cancer
• Varicose veins