Urogenital hiatus explained

Urogenital hiatus
Latin:	hiatus urogenitalis

The urogenital hiatus is a large midline opening^[1] in the anteromedial part of the pelvic floor (more precisely, the pubococcygeal muscle), extending between the pubis (anteriorly), and rectum (posteriorly). Each levator ani muscle forms either lateral border of the hiatus.

The hiatus acccomodates the apex of the prostate in males, and gives passage to the urethra in both sexes, the vagina in females, the deep dorsal vein of clitoris (females) or penis (males),^[2] and nerves of the penis in males.__TOC__

Clinical significance

The urogenital hiatus has been linked to urinary stress incontinence.^[3]

See also

• Coccyx (tailbone)
• Pubococcygeus muscle
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Perineology
• Perineal hernia
• Female genital prolapse

Notes and References

1. Web site: urogenital hiatus - Dictionnaire médical de l'Académie de Médecine . 2024-05-21 . www.academie-medecine.fr.
2. Web site: urogenital hiatus . 2023-06-14 . TheFreeDictionary.com.
3. Anatomical and functional significance of urogenital hiatus in primary urodynamic stress incontinence. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology . 27. 1. 71–7. 16323154. 2006. Huang. W. C.. Yang. S. H.. Yang. J. M.. 10.1002/uog.2649. 22170424 . free.