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Anatomy and physiology of the female perineal body with relevance to obstetrical injury and repair
Author(s) -
Woodman Patrick J.,
Graney Daniel O.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
clinical anatomy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.667
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1098-2353
pISSN - 0897-3806
DOI - 10.1002/ca.10034
Subject(s) - medicine , vagina , episiotomy , perineum , fecal incontinence , pelvic floor , anatomy , urinary incontinence , anal sphincter , surgery , pregnancy , biology , genetics
The female perineal body is a mass of interlocking muscular, fascial, and fibrous components lying between the vagina and anorectum. The perineal body is also an integral attachment point for components of the urinary and fecal continence mechanisms, which are commonly damaged during vaginal childbirth. Repair of injuries to the perineal body caused by spontaneous tears or episiotomy are topics too often neglected in medical education. This review presents the anatomy and physiology of the female perineal body, as well as clinical considerations for pelvic reconstructive surgery. Clin. Anat. 15:321–334, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.