Bassett Collection of Stereoscopic Images of Human Anatomy

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Dissection of female pelvis froma lateral approach

Superficial perineal space, close-up lateral view

Image #158-6

KEYWORDS: Perineum, Muscles and tendons, Urinary tract.

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Dissection of female pelvis froma lateral approach

Superficial perineal space, close-up lateral view

The membranous layer of the superficial fascia (shown in view 158-3) has been cut off at the labium majus (17) and removed. The underlying deep perineal fascia has also been trimmed away to expose structures within the superficial perineal space. A margin of the fascia remains anteriorly (15). The contents of the superficial space include the ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus muscles (14), the crus of the clitoris (not visible), the bulb of the vestibule (16), the greater vestibular gland (6), the superficial transverse perineal muscle (3) and branches of the pudendal nerve and vessels (6, 8). The posterior labial veins are somewhat dilated and plexiform in appearance.

1 .	Upper pointer: Ramus of ischium Lower pointer: Obturator fascia (pointer indicates location of pudendal canal, note branch of obturator vein passing through this fascia to join internal pudendal vein)
2 .	Inferior rectal nerves
3 .	Superficial transverse perineal muscle (poorly developed)
4 .	External anal sphincter muscle (covered by fascia)
5 .	Anus
6 .	Left pointer: Posterior labial branch internal pudendal artery Right pointer: Major vestibular gland
7 .	Central tendon of perineum
8 .	Posterior labial nerve
9 .	Obturator internus muscle
10 .	Pubic bone (partially resected)
11 .	Inferior pubic ramus
12 .	Tendon of origin of gracilis m:
13 .	Suspensory ligament of clitoris
14 .	Upper pointer: Ischiocavernosus muscle Lower pointer: Bulbospongiosus muscle
15 .	Deep perineal fascia (removed posteriorly to expose contents of superficial space of perineum)
16 .	Vestibular bulb
17 .	Superficial perineal fascia (membranous layer or Colles' fascia)
18 .	Labium majus