Perineum Anatomy – Female Reproductive system Notes and MCQ for NEET, GPAT, BSc, Nursing Exams

1. Definition:

• The perineum is the region between the pubic symphysis and the coccyx, bounded laterally by the ischial tuberosities.

• It includes the external genitalia and the anal opening.

2. Boundaries:

• Anterior: Pubic symphysis

• Posterior: Coccyx

• Lateral: Ischial tuberosities

• Superior (roof): Pelvic diaphragm

• Inferior (floor): Skin and superficial fascia

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3. Subdivisions:

Perineum is divided into two triangles:

• Urogenital Triangle (anterior):

  • Contains external genitalia (vulva)

  • Contains urethral and vaginal openings

• Anal Triangle (posterior):

  • Contains anus and external anal sphincter

• 

Muscles Associated with the Female Perineum:

A. Superficial Perineal Muscles:

1. Ischiocavernosus – compresses crus of clitoris

2. Bulbospongiosus – compresses vestibular bulb and assists clitoral erection

3. Superficial Transverse Perineal – stabilizes perineal body

B. Deep Perineal Muscles (in deep perineal pouch):

1. Deep Transverse Perineal – supports pelvic floor

2. External Urethral Sphincter – voluntary control of urination

C. Muscles of the Pelvic Diaphragm (overlapping with perineum):

1. Levator Ani group:

   • Pubococcygeus

   • Iliococcygeus

   • Puborectalis

2. Coccygeus (Ischiococcygeus)

Perineal Body:

• A fibromuscular mass at the center of the perineum

• Important attachment point for several muscles:

  • Bulbospongiosus

  • External anal sphincter

  • Superficial and deep transverse perineal muscles

  • Fibers of levator ani

MCQs on Female Perineum Anatomy:

1. The perineum in females is divided into which of the following triangles?
A. Pelvic and pubic
B. Anal and genital
C. Urogenital and anal
D. Inguinal and pelvic
Answer: C. Urogenital and anal

2. Which of the following muscles is found in the superficial perineal pouch?
A. Levator ani
B. Coccygeus
C. Ischiocavernosus
D. Deep transverse perineal
Answer: C. Ischiocavernosus

3. The perineal body serves as an attachment for all the following muscles EXCEPT:
A. External anal sphincter
B. Ischiocavernosus
C. Superficial transverse perineal
D. Bulbospongiosus
Answer: B. Ischiocavernosus

4. The external urethral sphincter is located in which perineal pouch?
A. Superficial
B. Deep
C. Anal triangle
D. Subcutaneous
Answer: B. Deep

5. Which muscle is part of the levator ani group?
A. Bulbospongiosus
B. Coccygeus
C. Ischiocavernosus
D. Puborectalis
Answer: D. Puborectalis