Monday, October 12, 2009

38 - Perineal body

The perineal body (or central tendon of perineum) is a pyramidal fibromuscular mass in the middle line of the perineum at the junction between the urogenital triangle and the anal triangle . It is found in both males and females. In males, it is found between the bulb of penis and the anus; in females, is found between the vagina and anus, and about 1.25 cm in front of the latter.

The perineal body is essential for the integrity of the pelvic floor, particularly in females. Its rupture during delivery leads to widening of the gap between the anterior free borders of levator ani muscle of both sides, thus predisposing the woman to prolapse of the uterus, rectum, or even the urinary bladder.

At this point, the following muscles converge and are attached:

* External anal sphincter 
* Fibers from external urinary sphincter
* Superficial transverse perineal muscle
* Deep transverse perineal muscle
* Anterior fibers of the levator ani 
* Bulbospongiosus


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