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Perineal body
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:watermark(/images/watermark_only_413.png,0,0,0):watermark(/images/logo_url_sm.png,-10,-10,0):format(jpeg)/images/anatomy_term/central-tendon-of-perineum/J2mO0bgbp41v8yqPGwzdEA_Centrum_tendineum_perinei_02.png "Perineal body (Corpus perineale); Image: Irina Münstermann"){kind=logo}
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The perineal body, also called the central tendon of the perineum, is an irregularly shaped fibromuscular structure located at the central point of the perineum, midway between the ischial tuberosities.
It is composed of collagen and elastic fibers, along with both skeletal and smooth muscle. It lies beneath the skin and minimal subcutaneous tissue and is quite variable in terms of size and consistency.
The perineal body is positioned posterior to the vaginal vestibule in females and the penile bulb in males, and is anterior to the anus and anal canal. It merges with the posterior border of the perineal membrane anteriorly and with the rectovesical or rectovaginal septum superiorly.
The perineal body serves as a central convergence point where fibers of several muscles interlace and overlap. These include the bulbospongiosus, external anal sphincter, both the superficial and deep transverse perineal muscles, as well as smooth and skeletal muscle strands from the external urethral sphincter, levator ani muscles, and the muscular layers of the rectum.
| Terminology |
English: Perineal body Synonyms: Perineal center, central tendon of perineum Latin: Corpus perineale Synonym: Centrum tendineum perinei |
| Definition | Musculofibrous mass situated at the center point of the perineum between the the two ischial tuberosities |
| Function | Attachment site for pelvic floor and perineal muscles Provides support for the pelvic diaphragm and pelvic viscera |
Learn more about perineal body in the following study units:
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