Perineum: Overview

00:01 In this topic, we're going to look at the perineum and external genitalia.

00:07 So before we move into the specific details of the structures and boundaries of the perineum, let's first of all start by introducing it as a space.

00:16 So as we can see here on the slide, we're looking into the right hemipelvis.

00:22 Anteriorly, we've got the right hand side of the screen and then on the left hand side, we've got the sacrum and gluteal region on the posterior aspect.

00:30 And what we can see here is the pelvic diaphragm, which is really forming the inferior boundary of the pelvic cavity.

00:38 Remember, the pelvic diaphragm is formed by those muscles, levator ani, and coccygeus.

00:43 A space that lies inferior or really superficial because it is technically closer to the surface of the skin is a very slim space called the perineum.

00:55 And the perineum contains lots of important structures around external genitalia, and also the anus, anal canal, and the urethra.

01:03 So, we'll look at these space in more detail.

01:06 So, let's carry on orientating ourselves with the perineum and where it is within the pelvis.

01:12 So, here we can see a view looking at the inferior aspects of the pelvis.

01:18 This pubic symphysis is anteriorly at the top of the screen, and the sacrum and coccyx is posteriorly at the bottom of the screen.

01:26 So, here we can see within the perineum, which we're going to describe, it has a number of openings, the urethral opening and the vaginal opening and the anal aperture.

01:37 And these allow structures to pass from the pelvic cavity, through the perineum into the outside world.

01:44 So, let's describe this space.

01:45 Let's look at its boundaries, and importantly, the perineal membrane.