Dissection of female pelvis from a lateral approach

Superficial perineal space; obturator internus muscle; contents of obturator canal

For permissions information regarding the use of these images, please contact Drew Bourn at dbourn@stanford.edu

Image #158-5

Dissection of female pelvis from a lateral approach Superficial perineal space; obturator internus muscle; contents of obturator canal The contents of the superficial space of the perineum have been exposed by excision of the membranous layer of superficial fascia (Colles' fascia) and of part of the deep perineal fascia (24). The obturator internus muscle, together with branches of the obturator vessels, has been uncovered in situ by removal of the obturator membrane and portions of the pubic and ischial bones that bordered the obturator foramen. 1 . Acetabulum 2 . Body of ischium (dissected) 3 . Piriform muscle (cut off) 4 . Sciatic nerve (note emergence of tibial portion through piriform muscle) 5 . Tendon of obturator internus muscle (elevated from lesser sciatic notch and cut off) 6 . Obturator internus muscle (exposed by removal of obturator membrane and parts of ischium and pubic bone) 7 . Ischial tuberosity 8 . Muscular branch of obturator artery to obturator internus 9 . Ramus of ischium 10 . External anal sphincter muscle (muscle fibers indistinct) 11 . Posterior labial branch internal pudendal artery 12 . Posterior labial nerve 13 . Posterior labial vein (plexiform) 14 . Major vestibular gland 15 . Obturator nerve, artery, and vein (emerging from pelvis through obturator canal) 16 . Femoral artery and vein (surrounded by femoral sheath) 17 . Inguinal ligament 18 . Area of origin of pectineus muscle from superior pubic ramus 19 . Pubic tubercle 20 . Body of pubic bone (partially cut away) 21 . Pubic symphysis 22 . suspensory ligament of clitoris (note continuation of tendons of ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus muscles into this area) 23 . Ischiocavernosus muscle 24 . Deep perineal fascia (partially removed) 25 . bulbospongiosus muscle 26 . Labium majus 27 . Vestibular bulb