| Perineal membrane | |
| Latin: | membrana perinei |
| Location: | Perineum |
The perineal membrane is an anatomical term for a fibrous membrane in the perineum. The term "inferior fascia of urogenital diaphragm", used in older texts, is considered equivalent to the perineal membrane.
It is the superior border of the superficial perineal pouch, and the inferior border of the deep perineal pouch.
The perineal membrane is triangular in shape.[1] It attaches to both ischiopubic rami of the pelvis. It also attaches to the perineal body.
The perineal membrane has two distinct portions that span the opening of the anterior pelvic outlet.[2]
The ventral (anterior) portion is associated with the compressor urethra and urethrovaginal sphincter muscles (previously called deep transverse perineal muscles), and is continuous with the insertion of the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis.[3] The apex is separated from the arcuate pubic ligament by an oval opening for the transmission of the deep dorsal vein of the clitoris.
The dorsal (posterior) portion consists of a sheet of dense fibrous tissue that attaches laterally to the ishiopubic rami and medially to the distal third of the vagina and to the perineal body.
The perineal membrane provides support to the distal vagina and urethra by attaching these structures to the bony pelvis.
Its lateral margins are attached on either side to the inferior rami of the pubis and ischium, above the crus penis.
Its base is directed toward the rectum, and connected to the central tendinous point of the perineum. The base is fused with both the pelvic fascia and Colle's fascia.
It is continuous with the deep layer of the superficial fascia behind the superficial transverse perineal muscle, and with the inferior layer of the diaphragmatic part of the pelvic fascia.
The vagina, including the opening of the urethra, divides the perineal membrane into two halves. The artery to the bulb of the vestibule originates from the perineal artery and pierces the perineal membrane to travel towards the vestibule of the vagina.[4] The deep and dorsal artery of clitoris are the two terminal branches of the internal pudendal artery which pierce the perineal membrane to supply the clitoris.[5]
In males, it is perforated, about 2-3 cm below the pubic symphysis, by the urethra. The bulbourethral glands are present on either side of the membranous urethra and their ducts pierce the perineal membrane posterolateral to the urethra. The deep and dorsal artery of the penis arises from the internal pudendal artery and penetrates the perineal membrane to enter the corpora cavernosa in the crus of the penis.[6]
If the inferior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm is detached on either side, the following structures will be seen between it and the superior fascia: