Perineum Flashcards
What forms the pelvic diaphragm?
Levatores ani and coccygeus muscles with covering fasciae
The pelvic diaphragm separates the pelvic cavity from the perineum.
What is the urogenital hiatus?
An incomplete anterior section of the pelvic diaphragm allowing passage for urethra in males and urethra and vagina in females
This hiatus is crucial for the passage of urinary and reproductive tracts.
What are the two main divisions of the pelvic cavity?
- Main Pelvic Cavity
- Perineum
The perineum is located below the pelvic diaphragm.
Describe the shape and boundaries of the perineum.
Diamond-shaped; bounded by symphysis pubis, ischiopubic rami, ischial tuberosities, sacrotuberous ligaments, and coccyx tip
The perineum can be divided into two triangles: urogenital and anal triangles.
What is the lithotomy position?
Supine position with hip joints flexed and abducted, feet in stirrups
This position is commonly used for pelvic exams in females.
Where is the perineal body located in males and females?
Males: between the bulb of the penis and anus; Females: between the vagina and anus
The perineal body serves as an attachment site for muscles and fascia.
List common perineal issues for males.
- Urethral obstruction
- Penile urethra rupture
- Epididymis/testis infections
These conditions can significantly affect male reproductive and urinary health.
List common perineal issues for females.
- Infections
- Injuries
- Prolapses in anal canal, urethra, and external genitalia
These issues can lead to various complications in female pelvic health.
What are the boundaries of the anal triangle?
- Ischial tuberosities
- Sacrotuberous ligaments
- Coccyx tip
The anal triangle contains the anus as its primary structure.
What is the length of the anal canal?
Approximately 1.5 inches (4 cm)
The anal canal connects the rectal ampulla to the anus.
What is the function of the anal sphincters?
Control the passage of feces and maintain continence
The anal sphincters include both internal (involuntary) and external (voluntary) components.
Fill in the blank: The internal anal sphincter is formed from _______.
smooth muscle thickening
It is involuntary and part of the anal sphincter complex.
What is the role of the puborectalis muscle?
Forms a sling around the anorectal junction, maintaining an acute angle
This muscle is vital for fecal continence.
True or False: Internal hemorrhoids are painful.
False
They are sensitive only to stretch due to visceral afferent nerves.
What causes external hemorrhoids to be painful?
They are sensitive to pain, temperature, touch, and pressure due to inferior rectal nerves
External hemorrhoids occur at the anal margin.
What is an anal fissure?
An elongated ulcer caused by fecal mass catching on the mucous membrane
Anal fissures are commonly found posteriorly in the midline.
What is the significance of the pectinate line?
Indicates the level where the upper half of the anal canal joins the lower half
It separates areas with different embryological origins and nerve supplies.
List the components of the pudendal nerve.
- Inferior rectal nerve
- Dorsal nerve (penis/clitoris)
- Perineal nerve
The pudendal nerve supplies the perineum and external genitalia.
What is the clinical significance of the anorectal ring?
Essential for continence; damage can lead to fecal incontinence
The ring consists of the deep part of the external sphincter, internal sphincter, and puborectalis.
What are the contents of the superficial perineal space (pouch)?
- Bulb of penis/bulbs of vestibule
- Crura of penis/clitoris
- Superficial transverse perineal muscles
- Perineal nerves and vessels
- Greater vestibular glands (females)
This space is located between superficial perineal fascia and the perineal membrane.
Fill in the blank: The superior rectal artery is the arterial supply for the _______ half of the anal canal.
upper
The inferior rectal artery supplies the lower half.
What is an imperforate anus?
A congenital condition occurring in approximately 1 in 4000 births due to fusion issues of the cloaca with the proctodeum
It may require surgical intervention after birth.
What is the primary cause of anal fistulae?
Spread or inadequate treatment of anal abscesses
Fistulae connect the anal canal or rectum with the skin surface near the anus.
What is the significance of the ischioanal fossa?
Wedge-shaped space prone to infection and contains fat supporting the anal canal
It communicates posteriorly around the anal canal.
What are the three cylinders of erectile tissue found in the penile body?
- Two corpora cavernosa (dorsal)
- Corpus spongiosum (ventral)
Enclosed in Buck’s Fascia.
What is the expanded end of the corpus spongiosum called?
Glans Penis
Located at the distal extremity of the penis.