What is the urogenital triangle and what does it contain?

The urogenital triangle is the anterior half of the perineum, located between the ischiopubic rami. It contains the external genitalia, such as the penis and scrotum in males or the vulva in females, along with the superficial and deep perineal pouches.

What are the key differences between the deep and superficial perineal pouches?

The deep perineal pouch is between the superior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm and the perineal membrane, containing structures like the urethra and sphincter urethrae. The superficial perineal pouch is between Colles’ fascia and the perineal membrane, housing muscles and roots of the genitalia.

Why is the perineal body clinically important?

The perineal body is a fibromuscular mass where 10 muscles converge, providing pelvic support. Injury, such as during childbirth, can weaken this support and lead to conditions like uterine or rectal prolapse.

What structures pierce the perineal membrane in males and females?

In males, structures include the urethra, ducts of bulbourethral glands, and arteries/nerves to the penis. In females, the urethra and vagina pierce it, along with arteries/nerves to the clitoris and labia.

What nerves provide cutaneous innervation to the urogenital triangle?

Key nerves include the dorsal nerve of the penis/clitoris (from pudendal nerve), ilioinguinal and genital branch of genitofemoral nerve, perineal branch of posterior cutaneous nerve of thigh, and posterior scrotal/labial nerves.

What are the types of episiotomy and their risks?

Two main types are median episiotomy, which risks anal sphincter damage, and mediolateral episiotomy, which avoids the sphincter but involves more tissue cutting.

Urogenital Triangle – Pouches, Membrane & Perineal Body