What is the perineum?

The perineum is the lowest part of the trunk, located below the pelvic diaphragm. It contains structures that occupy the pelvic outlet, including the urethra, vagina (in females), and anal canal.

What are the boundaries of the perineum?

The perineum has superficial and deep boundaries. Superficially, it appears diamond-shaped with the scrotum or mons pubis anteriorly and buttocks posteriorly. Deeply, it is bounded by the pubic symphysis anteriorly, coccyx posteriorly, and structures like the ischial tuberosities laterally.

How is the perineum divided?

The perineum is divided into two triangles by a horizontal line between the anterior ends of the ischial tuberosities: the urogenital triangle (anterior), traversed by the urethra and vagina (in females), and the anal triangle (posterior), which contains the anal canal.

What structures pass through the perineum?

In males, the perineum is traversed by the urethra and anal canal. In females, it includes the urethra, vagina, and anal canal.

What is the gynecological perineum?

In females, the region between the vaginal and anal openings is called the gynecological perineum. It contains the perineal body, an important structure for pelvic support.

What are the surface features of the perineum?

Surface features include in males: penis, scrotum, and anal orifice; and in females: vulva and anal orifice.

Perineum – Urogenital vs Anal Triangle Anatomy