Logan Steele
The perineum is the space between the anus and genitals. In males, the perineum is between the anus and scrotum, and in females, it is between the anus and vulva. The perineum is a diamond-shaped area that includes the anus and, in females, the vagina. The perineal body, also referred to as the central tendon of the perineum, is a fibromuscular structure located in the midline of the perineum. It is composed of collagen and elastic fibres, skeletal and smooth muscle, and serves as a central attachment for perineal muscles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Between the pubic symphysis (pubic arch) and the coccyx (tail bone) |
| Shape | Diamond-shaped |
| Includes | Anus, vagina (in females), perineal body, and surrounding structures |
| Nerve Supply | Pudendal nerve |
| Vascular Supplier | Internal pudendal artery |
| Venous Drainage | Internal pudendal vein |
| Innervation | Primarily from the pudendal nerve (S2-S4) |
| Function | Supports the pelvic floor |
| Damage | Can occur during childbirth, leading to possible pelvic organ prolapse |
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What You'll Learn
- The perineum is located between the thighs, below the pelvic diaphragm
- It is a diamond-shaped area that includes the anus and, in females, the vagina
- The perineal body is a fibromuscular structure located centrally in the perineum
- The perineal body is a central attachment for perineal muscles, supporting the pelvic floor
- Perineal fascia terminology is confusing, with superficial and deep parts, each further subdivided
The perineum is located between the thighs, below the pelvic diaphragm
The perineum is the space between the anus and the genitals. In males, the perineum is located between the anus and the scrotum, while in females, it is between the anus and the vulva. The perineum is the most inferior part of the pelvic outlet, and it lies between the thighs. It is separated from the pelvic cavity superiorly by the pelvic floor. The perineal body, also known as the "central tendon of the perineum", is a fibromuscular structure located at the central point of the perineum. It is composed of collagen and elastic fibres, along with skeletal and smooth muscle. The perineal body functions to support the pelvic floor and provides a point of attachment for various muscles.
The perineum is located below the pelvic diaphragm, which separates it from the pelvic cavity. The perineum can be divided into two triangles: the anal triangle and the urogenital triangle. The anal triangle is the posterior half of the perineum and includes the anal aperture, external anal sphincter muscle, and ischioanal fossae. The urogenital triangle is the anterior half of the perineum and includes the urethral and vaginal orifices.
The perineal body is an important anatomical structure, providing support for the pelvic floor and serving as a central attachment for perineal muscles. It is located at the junction of the urogenital and anal triangles, in the midline of the perineum. In males, the perineal body is positioned between the anus and the bulb of the penis, while in females, it lies between the anus and the posterior limit of the vulvar orifice.
The perineum receives its major neurovascular supply from the pudendal nerve and the internal pudendal artery. The pudendal nerve travels along the inner surface of the ischial tuberosities and gives branches to both the anal and genital triangles. The internal pudendal artery is a branch of the internal iliac artery and is the primary vascular supplier of the perineum. It enters the region through the pudendal canal, accompanied by the pudendal nerve and internal pudendal vein.
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It is a diamond-shaped area that includes the anus and, in females, the vagina
The perineum is the most inferior part of the pelvic outlet, situated between the thighs and separated from the pelvic cavity by the pelvic floor. It is a diamond-shaped area that includes the anus and, in females, the vagina. In males, the perineum is situated between the anus and the scrotum, while in females, it is between the anus and the vulva. The perineal body, also known as the "central tendon of the perineum", is a fibromuscular structure located at the centre of the perineum. It is composed of collagen and elastic fibres, as well as skeletal and smooth muscles. The perineal body functions as a point of attachment for various muscles, including the bulbospongiosus, deep transverse perineal muscle, and compressor urethrae in females.
The perineal region is supplied by the pudendal nerve and the internal pudendal artery, a branch of the internal iliac artery. The pudendal nerve and artery travel through the obturator fascia (Alcock's canal), providing motor and sensory innervation to the perineum. The perineum is also associated with the urogenital triangle, which is the anterior half of the perineum, and the anal triangle, which is the posterior half. The anal triangle includes the opening of the anus and the external anal sphincter muscle, which controls the opening and closing of the anus.
The perineum is an erogenous zone and is referred to as the "taint" or "gooch" in American slang. It is a sensitive area that can be damaged during childbirth, particularly in vaginal deliveries, where tears and ruptures can occur. To prevent uncontrolled tearing, an episiotomy, or surgical cut in the perineum, may be performed, although this can still result in pain during intercourse. The perineum is also relevant in surgical procedures, such as the resection of anorectal tumours, where it serves as a landmark to ensure tumour-free margins.
The perineal region is covered by the perineal fascia, which consists of a superficial fatty layer and a deeper membranous layer (Colles' fascia). This fascia contributes to the overall compartmentalisation and helps limit fluid spread in cases of injury. The perineal membrane, located anteriorly to the perineal body, is formed by the fusion of Colles' fascia with the ischiopubic rami and perineal membrane. This membrane plays a crucial role in the formation of the subcutaneous perineal space, which is particularly relevant in trauma situations.
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The perineal body is a fibromuscular structure located centrally in the perineum
The perineum is the space between the anus and genitals in placental mammals. In males, the perineum is between the anus and scrotum, and in females, it is between the anus and vulva. The perineum is the region of the body between the pubic symphysis (pubic arch) and the coccyx (tailbone). It is a diamond-shaped area that includes the anus and, in females, the vagina. The perineum is an erogenous zone.
The perineum is an anatomical region in the pelvis, located between the thighs. It is the most inferior part of the pelvic outlet and is separated from the pelvic cavity superiorly by the pelvic floor. The perineum contains structures that support the urogenital and gastrointestinal systems. It plays an important role in functions such as micturition, defecation, sexual intercourse, and childbirth.
In females, the perineal body acts as a tear-resistant body between the vagina and the external anal sphincter, supporting the posterior part of the vaginal wall against prolapse. In males, it lies between the bulb of the penis and the anus. The perineal body helps strengthen the pelvic floor and provides structural support and stability to the perineum.
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The perineal body is a central attachment for perineal muscles, supporting the pelvic floor
The perineum is the space between the anus and the genitals. In males, it is between the anus and the scrotum, and in females, it is between the anus and the vulva. The perineum is the most inferior part of the pelvic outlet, lying between the thighs. It is separated from the pelvic cavity superiorly by the pelvic floor. The perineal body is a fibromuscular structure located in the midline of the perineum, at the junction of the urogenital and anal triangles. It is also referred to as the "central tendon of the perineum".
The perineal body is a critical structure for maintaining the integrity of the pelvic floor. It provides a central attachment for various muscles, including the bulbospongiosus, deep transverse perineal muscle, and compressor urethrae. The perineal body helps to strengthen the pelvic floor and prevent prolapse of pelvic organs.
In females, the rectovaginal septum joins the perineal body superiorly, while in males, it is the rectoprostatic septum that attaches superiorly. The perineal body has a pyramid shape in males and a wedge shape in females. It is susceptible to damage during childbirth, particularly during vaginal delivery, where it may rupture or tear, leading to potential pelvic organ prolapse.
To avoid uncontrolled tearing of the perineal body during childbirth, an episiotomy, or a surgical cut in the perineum, may be performed. While this prevents uncontrolled tearing, it still causes damage to the vaginal mucosa. Perineal tears are common during vaginal delivery, with approximately 85% of women experiencing some degree of tearing. These tears can contribute to postpartum morbidity and frustration in women.
The perineal body is also important in maintaining continence and is assessed when evaluating pelvic floor function. It moves inferiorly during inhalation as the pelvic floor muscles relax and superiorly during exhalation as these muscles contract. Overall, the perineal body plays a crucial role in supporting the pelvic floor and maintaining its integrity.
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Perineal fascia terminology is confusing, with superficial and deep parts, each further subdivided
The perineum is the most inferior part of the pelvic outlet, located between the thighs and separated from the pelvic cavity superiorly by the pelvic floor. It is a diamond-shaped area that includes the anus and, in females, the vagina. Structurally, the perineum is divided into two triangular divisions: the anterior urogenital triangle and the posterior anal triangle.
The perineal fascia, which covers the superficial perineal muscles and protruding structures, is a source of confusion due to its complex terminology. This confusion arises from the fact that the perineal fascia has two parts: the superficial perineal fascia and the deep perineal fascia. Both of these parts can be further subdivided into superficial and deep layers.
The superficial perineal fascia, also known as Colles' fascia, has two layers: a superficial fatty layer and a deep membranous layer. The superficial fatty layer differs between males and females. In females, this layer forms the labia majora and the mons pubis, while in males, it extends into the penis and scrotum. The deep membranous layer has many attachments to nearby structures. It connects to the perineal membrane and the perineal body at the back, the suspensory ligament of the penis or clitoris at the front, and the ischiopubic rami on the sides.
The deep perineal fascia, also referred to as the investing fascia, lies beneath the membranous layer of the superficial perineal fascia. This layer surrounds the ischiocavernosus, bulbospongiosus, and superficial transverse perineal muscles. It is attached to the perineal membrane and the perineal body posteriorly, the suspensory ligament of the penis or clitoris anteriorly, and the ischiopubic rami laterally.
The perineal membrane, a layer of tough fascia, divides the urogenital triangle into the deep perineal pouch and the superficial perineal space. The deep perineal pouch is located between the pelvic diaphragm and the perineal membrane, containing parts of the urethra, external urethral sphincter, and the vagina in females. In males, it also contains the bulbourethral glands and the deep transverse perineal muscles. The superficial perineal space, located below the perineal membrane, contains erectile tissues, skeletal muscles, and the terminal branches of the internal pudendal vessels and nerves.
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Frequently asked questions
The perineum is the space between the anus and the genitals. In males, it is between the anus and the scrotum, and in females, it is between the anus and the vulva.
The perineum is located between the pubic symphysis (pubic arch) and the coccyx (tailbone). It lies between the thighs and is separated from the pelvic cavity superiorly by the pelvic floor.
The perineal body, also known as the central tendon of the perineum, is a fibromuscular structure located at the central point of the perineum. It is composed of collagen and elastic fibres, along with skeletal and smooth muscles.
The perineum is an erogenous zone. It also serves as a point of attachment for muscles fibres from the pelvic floor and perineum, such as the levator ani and the bulbospongiosus muscle.
