The Perineum

Question 1

Anatomical borders of the perineum?

Answer 1

Anterior - pubic symphysis 
Posterior - tip of the coccyx
Laterally - inferior pubic rami and ischial rami, sacrotuberous ligament
Roof - pelvic floor
Base - skin and fascia

Question 2

What can the perineum be divided into?

What does this dividing line run between?

Answer 2

Anterior urogenital and posterior anal triangles

Ischial tuberosities

Question 3

Surface borders of the perineum?

Answer 3

Anteriorly - mons pubis in females, base of the penis in males
Laterally - medial surfaces of the thighs
Posteriorly - superior end of the intergluteal cleft

Question 4

Components of the anal triangle?

Answer 4

Anal aperture
External anal sphincter muscle
Two ischioanal fossae

Question 5

Purpose of the ischioanal fossae?

Answer 5

Contain fat and connective tissue which aid expansion of the anal canal during defecation

Question 6

Structure of the urogenital perineum?

Answer 6

Superior/deep fascia
Sphincter urethrae (striated muscle fibres)
Inferior or superficial fascia (aka perineal membrane)

Question 7

What does the urogenital perineum contain?

Answer 7

Bulbourethral glands in males
Pierced by urethra and vagina
External male or female genitalia

Question 8

What is found below the perineal membrane/deep fascia?

Answer 8

Males:

• superficial transverse perineal membrane
• bulbospongiosus muscle
• ischiocavernosus muscle

Both sexes
-superficial perineal pouch

Question 9

Clinical significance of the superficial perineal pouch?

Answer 9

Site of collection of urine if the urethra is ruptured below the perineal membrane.

Question 10

Neurovascular supply to the perineum?

Answer 10

Pudendal nerve (S2-4)
Internal pudendal artery

Question 11

Where are Bartholin’s glands found?

Answer 11

Within the superficial perineal pouch of the urogenital triangle

Question 12

Role of Bartholin’s glands?

Answer 12

Make a small amount of mucus-like fluid which maintains a moist vagnia.

Question 13

What is bartholinitis?

Answer 13

Inflammation and infection of Bartholin’s glands

If the duct becomes blocked then they swell, forming fluid-filled cysts

Question 14

Causes of infection of Bartholin’s glands?

Answer 14

Bacteria which cause skin and uterine infections

• Staphylococcus spp.
• E. coli

Question 15

What does the urogenital diaphragm run between?

Answer 15

Fills the gap of the pubic arch stretching between the converging ischiopubic rami