Useless fact

What are the dimples on the lower back called?

Human body

The two symmetrical dimples sometimes visible on the lower human back are anatomically known as the dimples of Venus.

The dimples of Venus are sagittal indentations located in the lower back, just above the gluteal cleft. They are created by a short ligament stretching between the posterior superior iliac spine of the pelvis and the skin. Because there is no muscle in this specific area, the skin is pulled inward, creating the characteristic dimples. While they are a genetic trait and completely harmless, they have been historically associated with good health, beauty, and physical vitality. The term references Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, reflecting their aesthetic appreciation since antiquity. These indentations are also present in men, where they are sometimes referred to as dimples of Apollo, though the female term remains much more widely recognized in both medical literature and popular culture.

Why this is true — The term is a recognized anatomical description for the lateral lumbar fossae, commonly referenced in medical literature and health databases.

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