Topographical Anatomy of the Gluteal and Hamstring Muscles in the Albino Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Background: In comparative anatomy, muscles of the gluteal and hamstring groups are categorized and described inconsistently between, but also within, different species. Due to insufficient information on the exact topography of the individual muscles and a lack of illustrations, it is partly difficult to compare the data provided. Particularly for the albino rat, there is only limited information available for these muscles. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the presence and morphology of the gluteal and hamstring muscles in the albino rat, and to compare them with other species, including humans. Methods: Both hind limbs of 30 formalin-embalmed male albino rats were carefully dissected. The individual muscles were identified based on their position in relation to nerves and to each other. Therefore, previous descriptions of other species were considered. Results: The gluteus superficialis and tensor fasciae latae muscles formed always a continuous musculoaponeurotic plate. The femorococcygeus and gluteus accessorius muscles were constant structures. The gluteus medius, piriformis and gluteus profundus muscles could always be identified. Within the hamstring group, the two-headed semitendinosus, the one-headed biceps femoris, the semimembranosus, and the caudofemoralis muscles were always present. Conclusions: In this study, a detailed description and dissection guide of the systematic anatomy and topography of the gluteal and hamstring muscles of the albino rat is provided for the first time. The outcomes are intended to help improve knowledge of the anatomy of these muscle groups and to serve as a basis for future studies using rats as an animal model.